Betty Amick'S Cheddar Cheese Soup
A creamy, cheesy soup loaded with vegetables and ham, perfect for comforting meals and satisfying cravings with rich flavors and smooth texture.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 lb. shredded mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 1 c. diced cooked cauliflower ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 c. finely diced ham ⓘ
- 2 c. half and half ⓘ
- 1 can green beans, cut up ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch with shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a 4 to 6-quart saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add the cheese mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- In a skillet, sauté vegetables and ham individually in butter.
- Add the sautéed vegetables and ham to the cheese mixture.
- Reheat, stirring, and add half and half before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sharp Cheddar cheese instead of mild. You can also substitute the cauliflower with broccoli or zucchini based on your preference. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. This soup is perfect for customizing with your favorite flavors or leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheddar Cheese Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with West Virginia Ham for a hearty touch. Consider topping each bowl with croutons or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor. For a complete meal, enjoy it alongside Aunt Mary'S Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You may need to add a splash of water or half and half to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty Amick'S Cheddar Cheese Soup contains roughly 1033 calories, with 27g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (210% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2130mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for varied flavors. Just ensure they melt well. Combining cheeses can also enhance the taste profile of your soup.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply replace cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener, such as arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, in the same amount. Always check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I freeze the soup?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, the texture may change upon thawing. If you decide to freeze it, do so without the half and half. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the cream for a smoother consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).