Savory Cheese Soup
A creamy, cheesy soup with tender vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal that appeals to cheese lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz. can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. (6 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter until tender.
- Add flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; stir until smooth.
- Gradually add milk; cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Meanwhile, bring chicken broth to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add carrots and celery; simmer for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked vegetables and broth to the milk mixture and stir until blended.
- Add shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses.
- Cook and stir until cheese is melted, but do not boil.
- Garnish with chives if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the soup after adding the cheese, then return it to the pot. If you're out of Cheddar, try using Gruyère or a sharp white cheese for a different flavor. Adding some diced potatoes can also enhance the heartiness of the soup. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chives for added flavor and color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, consider serving it alongside Jill's Chicken Pot Pie for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling the soup again, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Cheese Soup contains roughly 1538 calories, with 31g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2552mg per serving (111% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare it as directed, then cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, stirring to combine the ingredients again.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly. Additionally, feel free to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to enhance the flavor profile.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, be aware that the texture may change upon thawing due to the cheese. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on low heat, stirring frequently.
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).