Christmas Soup
A hearty, creamy vegetable and ham soup with melted cheese, perfect for festive gatherings and cold days, combining comforting flavors and rich textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the potatoes, water, celery, carrot slices, chopped onion, parsley flakes, chicken bouillon cubes, cubed ham, pepper, and salt in a pot and cover.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Blend the milk and flour together well.
- Pour the milk and flour mixture into the pot and cook until thickened.
- Stir in the Velveeta cheese until it melts thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the potatoes before adding the milk and flour mixture. If you don’t have Velveeta cheese, you can substitute with a mix of cheddar and cream cheese for a similar creamy result. Adding a splash of cream can also enhance the richness. For added depth, try incorporating some garlic or herbs like thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Christmas Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy And Elegant Camp Stew for a festive spread. For a cozy touch, top each bowl with croutons or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You may need to add a little milk to thin it out as it thickens when cooled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Soup contains roughly 2758 calories, with 50g protein, 448g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (242% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2915mg per serving (127% 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 other types of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can also work, but may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ham and chicken bouillon cubes. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or peas to enhance the dish.
Can I freeze Christmas Soup for later use?
While this soup can be frozen, the texture may change upon thawing due to the dairy. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the milk and cheese, then adding them after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
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).