Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Soup
Creamy Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Soup features rich, cheesy flavors with vegetables and seasonings, perfect for comforting gatherings or a cozy meal for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. half and half ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. chopped, fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan; sauté celery, carrot, and onion until tender.
- Add flour and blend well.
- Add chicken broth and cook until thickened.
- Add cheese; stir until melted.
- Stir in half and half and milk (for thicker soup, reduce half and half by 1/2 cup).
- Add seasonings and chopped, fresh parsley.
- Heat gently, but do not boil, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sharp Cheddar cheese for more flavor. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the half and half with additional chicken broth. Additionally, using unsalted butter allows you to better control the salt level. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, making this soup a versatile choice alongside other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a comforting meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a bowl of Mom'S Chicken Supreme or a side of Chicken N' Cheese Rolls for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Soup contains roughly 662 calories, with 34g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (170% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), and potassium (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2586mg per serving (112% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Just follow the recipe and let it cool before storing in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, adding a little milk or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Can I freeze the soup?
While you can freeze the soup, it's best to do so before adding the cheese and dairy. Freezing can change the texture of dairy products. Once thawed, reheat gently and then stir in the cheese and cream just before serving.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives, Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese can provide a similar creamy texture and flavor. You might also mix in some Parmesan for an added depth of flavor, but keep in mind that it will change the overall taste of the soup.
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).