Country Kitchen Cheese Soup
A hearty, cheesy potato soup with ham and vegetables, perfect for cozy meals. Rich flavors from Velveeta and fresh ingredients make it a comforting classic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine potatoes, water, celery, carrots, onion, parsley flakes, chicken bouillon cube, and pepper in a pot.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Gradually add the milk mixed with the flour to the vegetables, stirring constantly.
- Simmer until the soup thickens.
- Add the cubed ham and Velveeta cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the Velveeta cheese with sharp cheddar for a different flavor. If you want to add more protein, consider including cooked bacon or sausage as a substitute for ham. Adjust the thickness by varying the flour amount; less flour will yield a thinner soup, while more will make it heartier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken-Bacon Nuggets for a hearty dinner. For added flavor, top each bowl with croutons or fresh herbs like chives or parsley. This soup is perfect for cozy gatherings or as a comforting lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk while reheating to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Kitchen Cheese Soup contains roughly 1148 calories, with 24g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), potassium (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 822mg per serving (36% 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 in this soup?
Yes, while Velveeta provides a smooth texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda. Just keep in mind that using a firmer cheese may require additional stirring and longer melting time. Mixing different cheeses can also enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Is this cheese soup suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the soup, the texture may change once thawed and reheated due to the cheese. To minimize this, consider freezing the soup without the cheese and adding it fresh when reheating. Alternatively, use a cheese that freezes better, like shredded cheddar, to maintain a smoother consistency.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace the chicken bouillon cube with a vegetable bouillon cube. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. This adaptation keeps the soup hearty and satisfying without sacrificing taste.
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).