Eighteen-Eighty-Six Cheese Soup(The 1886 Room, The Old Driskill Hotel, Austin, Tx)
A rich, cheesy soup with hearty vegetables and smooth textures, perfect for comforting meals and gatherings, showcasing a savory blend of cheese and seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 carrots, grated ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 2 pounds processed cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (optional) ⓘ
- cayenne pepper to taste ⓘ
- paprika (to garnish)
Instructions
- Saute grated carrots, chopped celery, and small chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Add flour and cornstarch to the vegetables and cook for a minute to form a roux.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the top of a double boiler.
- Pour in milk and chicken stock, then heat until warm.
- Add baking soda and grated processed cheese to the mixture.
- Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, garnished with a dash of paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, try substituting with fat-free milk. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses; a combination of cheddar and Gruyère can add depth. To enhance the flavor, sauté garlic along with the vegetables. Just be careful not to overcook the roux, as it can affect the soup's consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy cheese soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Scalloped Potatoes, making it perfect for potluck dinners. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or a fresh vegetable platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra milk or chicken stock to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eighteen-Eighty-Six Cheese Soup(The 1886 Room, The Old Driskill Hotel, Austin, Tx) contains roughly 1294 calories, with 26g protein, 254g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), and potassium (102% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2953mg per serving (128% 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 definitely experiment with different cheeses! While processed cheese gives a smooth texture, you can combine cheddar, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a kick. Just remember to melt the cheese thoroughly for the best consistency.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit any meat-based ingredients. You can enhance the flavor by adding more herbs or a splash of white wine during cooking.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup turns out thinner than desired, you can thicken it by creating a slurry with additional cornstarch and a little cold water, then stirring it into the simmering soup. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate.
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).