Cheese Soup Easy Recipe

Cheese soup is a classic comfort food that blends the creamy richness of melted cheese with a savory, hearty broth, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold day or whenever you need something warm and satisfying. The best part about cheese soup is that it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with different ingredients and flavors depending on what you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, making cheese soup can be an easy and rewarding experience.

This easy cheese soup recipe is ideal for anyone looking to whip up a bowl of cheesy goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the creamy texture of melted cheese with a smooth broth, creating a flavor profile that’s rich but not overwhelming. If you’ve never made cheese soup before, don’t worry – we’ll walk through every step, so you can be sure your bowl will turn out perfectly every time.

A cozy, creamy bowl of cheese soup that you can make in under an hour – simple, delicious, and satisfying!

This cheese soup recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The base starts with a flavorful vegetable broth, a combination of cream and milk to achieve that perfect creamy texture, and, of course, lots of cheese. You can add a few extras to make it your own-think crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Ingredients Needed

To make this cheese soup, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Butter: A tablespoon or two to get things started and add richness to the soup base.
Onion: A small yellow or white onion, finely chopped. This adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced. Garlic infuses the soup with a savory aroma and flavor.
All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
Vegetable or chicken broth: A couple of cups. You can go with either vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a bit more richness.
Whole milk: Adds a creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can swap with skim milk or even a dairy-free alternative.
Heavy cream: This takes the soup’s creaminess to the next level. You can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut cream if preferred.
Shredded cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and a mild cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack works best. The sharp cheddar gives the soup that classic tangy cheese flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste. You may also add other seasonings like paprika or a pinch of cayenne for some extra flavor.
Optional Garnishes: Bacon bits, fresh herbs, croutons, or even a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese to serve.

Cooking Instructions

Making cheese soup at home is surprisingly easy. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Sauté The Aromatics
- Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Once the butter is melted, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, with a slight golden color.
Make A Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir constantly. This creates a roux (the base for thickening the soup).
- Cook the flour mixture for about 1-2 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and smells nutty.
Add The Broth
- Gradually pour in the broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- If you find the soup too thick at this stage, feel free to add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Add The Dairy
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Allow the soup to come to a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes, but don’t let it boil to avoid curdling the cream.
Melt In The Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low. Begin adding the shredded cheese, one handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure each bit melts smoothly into the soup. It’s essential to keep the heat low during this stage to prevent the cheese from separating.
Season
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also throw in some paprika or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, top with a garnish of crispy bacon bits, croutons, or a drizzle of extra cream for a decadent touch.

Ingredient Insights

Cheese: The type of cheese you choose makes a huge difference. Sharp cheddar offers a distinct, tangy flavor, while milder cheeses like mozzarella provide a gooey texture. Combining them balances the flavor and mouthfeel of the soup.
Broth: Using a good-quality broth is essential for a flavorful base. If you’re short on time, bouillon cubes can work as a quick substitute, but fresh or homemade broth will take your soup to the next level.
Cream vs. Milk: The ratio of cream to milk affects the soup’s texture. More cream gives it a velvety richness, while milk keeps the soup lighter. You can adjust this to your preference.
Seasoning: Don’t skip on the seasoning. Adding the right amount of salt and pepper will elevate the entire dish. Consider experimenting with spices like garlic powder, thyme, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a twist.

Expert Tips

Low and Slow: When adding cheese, keep the heat low and be patient. High heat can cause the cheese to separate, creating an oily, grainy texture. Stir slowly to ensure it melts smoothly into the broth.
Fresh Grated Cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheese over pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the melt.
Add-Ins: You can throw in extra vegetables, like carrots, celery, or spinach, for more texture and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the flour.
Make Ahead: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors deepen the next day! Just reheat gently over low heat, stirring often.

Recipe Variations

Bacon Cheese Soup: Add crispy bacon bits either into the soup or as a garnish. Bacon’s smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the richness of cheese soup.
Vegetarian Cheese Soup: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip any meat add-ins. You can load up on extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a satisfying and nutritious version.
Spicy Cheese Soup: Stir in a small amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Jalapeños or diced green chilies also work well if you want a bit of heat.
Broccoli Cheese Soup: For a heartier variation, add fresh or frozen broccoli florets. Simmer the broccoli until tender, then stir it into the soup along with the cheese.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, or use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Ensure your broth and cheese are also gluten-free if you’re strictly avoiding gluten.

Final Words

Cheese soup is one of those dishes that’s simple to make but hard to resist. The combination of rich, creamy cheese and savory broth can transform any cold, dreary day into something much warmer and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a fresh salad or sandwich, this cheese soup recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, whether that means adding extra cheese, a splash of hot sauce, or some crispy bacon. The possibilities are endless!

Cheese Soup Easy Recipe