Red Pepper, Country Ham And Cheese Soup
A creamy, flavorful soup combining roasted red peppers, country ham, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for a comforting meal with smoky and savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon water in a large saucepan.
- Add fennel, and thinly sliced onion and celery; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until tender, approximately 7 minutes.
- Add red pepper and cook another 5 minutes.
- Set aside.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in another saucepan.
- Melt butter in a separate saucepan over low heat.
- Add flour and cook for 5 minutes without browning.
- Add the heated chicken broth and whisk until smooth.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the broth.
- Gradually whisk in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cubed ham and adjust seasonings.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables. If you can't find Monterey Jack cheese, a blend of cheddar and Gruyère works well. To add a bit of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. This soup can be thickened further by blending a portion of it if you prefer a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Miniwaki (Beer Cheese Soup) for a comforting dinner. Consider serving with a side of garlic bread for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a little extra chicken broth or water while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Pepper, Country Ham And Cheese Soup contains roughly 1109 calories, with 22g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just remember to reheat it gently, as cheese can become stringy if heated too quickly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack is recommended for its meltiness, you can substitute with cheddar, gouda, or even a sharp cheese for added flavor. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This soup is not gluten-free due to the flour used as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just mix it with a little cold broth before adding it to avoid clumps.
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).