Chunky Cheese Soup
A hearty, cheesy soup packed with potatoes, ham, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine water, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender. Add cooked ham.
- In another pan, melt margarine and stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the cheese mixture to the soup and stir well.
- Serve hot with cornbread and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating garlic or herbs like thyme or parsley. You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different protein option. To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as peas or corn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, ideally with a slice of cornbread or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Ham for a festive touch. For an extra indulgent experience, top each bowl with additional shredded Cheddar cheese or croutons for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chunky Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Cheese Soup contains roughly 1003 calories, with 20g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and potassium (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1960mg per serving (85% 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 freeze Chunky Cheese Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it's best to do so before adding the cheese. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Add fresh cheese when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack. For a sharper taste, consider using a mix of Gouda and Parmesan. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor profile of the soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour used as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and adjust the amount used accordingly to achieve the desired thickness.
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).