Uncle Ed'S Favorite Cheese Soup
Uncle Ed's Favorite Cheese Soup is a rich, creamy blend of sharp cheese, smoky bacon, and flavorful vegetables. The addition of sherry and olives adds depth and a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate hearty, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded sharp process cheese loaf ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 cup pimiento stuffed olives, rinsed and sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper ⓘ
- chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp; remove bacon, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the Dutch oven.
- Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Cook carrot, chopped celery, onion, and green pepper in the drippings over low heat, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes or until tender, but not browned.
- Add flour, stirring to blend; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add chicken or beef broth, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer about 8 minutes or until thickened.
- Add shredded cheese, stirring until melted.
- Stir in milk, dry sherry, sliced olives, and coarsely ground pepper; cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use a combination of sharp and mild cheeses. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes. You can also add cooked chicken for additional protein or switch to vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. This cheese soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese soup hot, topped with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Casserole Chop Chop for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency as it thickens when chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle Ed'S Favorite Cheese Soup contains roughly 717 calories, with 19g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% 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?
Absolutely! While sharp process cheese is recommended for its meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture of the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just follow the instructions up to the point of adding the milk and cheese. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in milk and cheese until melted and smooth.
What can I add for extra flavor?
To boost flavor, consider adding minced garlic, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some fresh herbs like thyme or basil. You can also include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and 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).