Calico Cheese Soup
Calico Cheese Soup offers a comforting blend of cheesy richness with fresh vegetables and savory broth, perfect for a cozy meal. Its creamy texture and flavorful profile make it appealing to cheese lovers and those seeking a warm, satisfying dish suitable for any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic and minced onion in margarine over low heat until tender.
- Add chicken broth, finely shredded carrots, and chopped celery; cook until just tender-crisp.
- Blend flour into milk; add to the chicken broth mixture and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add salt and Tabasco to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce along with the salt. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute, and you can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It can also be served as a starter alongside hearty dishes like Beefed-Up Chicken Breasts or Cheese Chicken Casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Calico Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You can add a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Cheese Soup contains roughly 709 calories, with 14g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2743mg per serving (119% 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?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavors. Just keep in mind that each cheese melts differently, so adjust the amount based on your preference for creaminess.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Calico Cheese Soup. However, be aware that dairy-based soups sometimes change texture upon thawing. To minimize this, consider freezing the soup without the cheese, then adding it when you reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure that the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables or even some beans for added protein and heartiness.
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).