Brie Cheese Soup Recipe

There’s something about the rich, creamy texture and subtle tang of Brie cheese that makes it an exceptional choice for all kinds of recipes. But what happens when you take this beloved French cheese and transform it into a velvety, indulgent soup? You get a dish that’s perfect for special occasions, cozy dinners, or when you simply want to elevate your usual soup game.

Brie cheese soup isn’t just about melting cheese into a bowl of broth. It’s a sophisticated blend of flavors, textures, and culinary techniques that result in a creamy, savory masterpiece. The smooth, buttery cheese melds beautifully with a medley of vegetables and herbs, making it both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re new to cooking with Brie or are looking for a new way to showcase this cheese, this recipe is a must-try.

But before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the essential parts of what you’ll need, some handy cooking tips, and a few creative variations that’ll take your Brie cheese soup to the next level.

This Brie cheese soup recipe combines the best of French cuisine with a modern, approachable twist. It’s rich, creamy, and full of deep flavor that will warm you up from the inside out. If you’re imagining the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of Brie, that’s exactly what you’ll get in every spoonful. It’s comfort food that’s sophisticated enough to impress at a dinner party but easy enough to whip up for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients Needed

Brie Cheese (8 oz) – The star of the show! Choose a high-quality Brie with a soft, creamy interior and a delicate rind. The cheese is what gives the soup its luxurious texture and flavor.
Butter (3 tbsp) – Adds richness and depth to the base of the soup. The butter is melted with onions and garlic, building a flavorful foundation.
Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Sweet and savory, the onion adds an aromatic base to the soup. When sautéed, it softens and caramelizes, enhancing the flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds a savory, fragrant note to the soup that pairs wonderfully with the Brie.
Flour (2 tbsp) – This acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its creamy consistency. It also helps bind the broth with the cheese for a smooth texture.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups) – This creates the liquid base of the soup, and the rich flavor of the broth complements the Brie cheese perfectly.
Heavy Cream (1 cup) – For added richness and creaminess. It enhances the texture of the soup, making it luxuriously smooth.
Thyme (1 tsp, fresh or dried) – A mild, earthy herb that adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Chives or Parsley (for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the soup and adds a pop of color.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and slicing the Brie into small pieces (remove the rind if you prefer). This will make the cooking process quicker and smoother.
Sauté The Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make The Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux that will help thicken the soup and give it that creamy texture.
Add The Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 10 minutes so that the broth thickens slightly.
Melt The Brie

Once the soup has thickened, reduce the heat to low and begin adding the Brie cheese, a little bit at a time. Stir constantly until the cheese has fully melted into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Finish With Cream And Seasonings

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.
Serve And Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Serve hot with some crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Brie Cheese

Brie is a soft cheese made from cow’s milk, known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. The cheese becomes even softer when it’s warmed, making it perfect for soups. It pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory ingredients, and when it’s melted, it gives off a velvety mouthfeel that enhances the richness of the soup.
Butter And Flour (for The Roux)

The combination of butter and flour serves as the thickening agent in the soup. This method of creating a roux is common in French cooking and is the key to achieving the creamy texture that’s characteristic of a velouté (a type of sauce made with stock and roux).
Heavy Cream

Adding heavy cream makes the soup even more indulgent. It smooths out the cheese’s tang and gives the soup that luxurious, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
Thyme

Thyme is a classic herb in French cuisine, and its earthy flavor complements the richness of the Brie. You can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage, but thyme keeps the flavor profile light and balanced.

Expert Tips

Use Room Temperature Brie

Brie is much easier to melt when it’s at room temperature. Let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the soup for a smoother, more consistent melt.
Avoid Overheating

Once the Brie has melted, keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling or becoming too stringy. Gentle simmering is key for keeping the soup’s texture silky.
Consistency Check

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a little more flour or reduce the broth by simmering it for a longer time. If the soup gets too thick, just add a bit more cream or broth to adjust.
Flavor Boosting

For a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard when you add the cream. This brings a touch of acidity that balances out the richness of the cheese.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Herb Infused

Infuse the soup with additional herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, or sage for a more aromatic experience. Just make sure to remove the herbs before serving.
Add Some Veggies

For a more hearty soup, add diced potatoes, carrots, or leeks. These vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also give the soup a thicker texture.
Grilled Cheese Croutons

For an extra indulgent touch, make grilled cheese croutons by toasting slices of your favorite bread with cheese on top. Cut them into small squares and serve them on top of your soup for a delightful crunch.

Final Words

Brie cheese soup is a beautiful balance of sophistication and comfort, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a chilly evening. The creamy texture of the Brie, combined with the savory base of broth and aromatic herbs, creates a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With its smooth consistency and rich flavor, this soup is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, whether served as a starter or as the main course.

Brie Cheese Soup Recipe