Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy Recipe

If you’re hunting for a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and indulgently creamy, look no further than this Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy. It perfectly marries rich cheddar cheese with vibrant broccoli and wholesome veggies, all blended into a velvety, warm bowl of goodness. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or want a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this soup brings just the right balance of creamy texture and healthful ingredients to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this soup right starts with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing to the color, the rich taste, or the smooth texture that makes the Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy so irresistible.

• 1 tbsp butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Provides a natural sweetness and depth to the soup base.
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Introduces gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 stalk celery, diced: Offers a mild, aromatic crunch that rounds out the veggies.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth without overpowering the flavors.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the soup that luscious creamy texture.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• 3 cups vegetable broth: The savory foundation that keeps this soup light yet flavorful.
• 4 cups chopped broccoli: Provides freshness, nutrients, and that beautiful green pop of color.
• 2 cups 1% milk: Cuts down the fat while still keeping the soup creamy and smooth.
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded: The star ingredient that brings cheesy, melty delight.
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended: Boosts protein and adds extra creaminess without the heaviness.
• Salt to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
• Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice.

How to Make Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy

Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies

Begin by cutting the broccoli into small florets for easy cooking and blending. Dice the yellow onion, carrots, and celery finely — these form the flavorful base of your soup. Mince the garlic so it can release its fragrant aroma without overpowering the broth.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté them gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a delicious foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute. Be careful here — you want the garlic fragrant and tender, not browned or bitter, as it will deepen the flavor without overwhelming it.

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour and smoked paprika evenly over your softened vegetables. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux, which thickens the soup and cooks out the raw flour taste. The lightly smoky flavor will elevate the overall profile of your soup.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth to dissolve the roux smoothly, followed by the milk to add creaminess while keeping things light. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often, then reduce to medium-low heat. This steady simmer will allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 6: Season the Base

Now is the time to add salt and pepper to your liking. These simple seasonings help bring all the components of your Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy into harmony.

Step 7: Cook the Broccoli

Stir in the chopped broccoli and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. The broccoli should become tender-crisp and retain its vibrant green color, lending both texture and a fresh, healthy bite to the soup.

Step 8: Stir in the Cheddar

Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring gently after each addition. This slow incorporation lets the cheese melt into the soup, creating that wonderfully creamy, cheesy consistency that you crave.

Step 9: Blend in the Cottage Cheese

Blend the low fat cottage cheese until it’s silky smooth, then stir it into the soup. This extra creamy boost enhances protein content and makes your Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy delightfully thick without feeling heavy.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste your soup and tweak the salt and pepper as needed. Now your soup is ready to warm you up and satisfy every craving for creamy comfort with a healthy twist.

How to Serve Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy

Garnishes

To elevate your soup experience, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for gooey indulgence. Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, while crunchy croutons give a lovely textural contrast. These garnishes turn a simple bowl of soup into a feast for the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a warm slice of crusty whole-grain bread. For a heartier meal, roasted chicken or a light sandwich makes a perfect complement, rounding out your wholesome dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress guests. Adding a swirl of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of chili oil can offer unexpected flavors that highlight the depth of this delicious Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When frozen, it stays delicious for up to 2 months, providing a convenient ready-made meal for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from clumping or separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth as it warms will help restore that signature creamy consistency of Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives this soup its classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack, just keep in mind they will slightly change the taste and creaminess.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and contains no meat, making it perfect for vegetarians seeking a hearty, protein-rich meal.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup while keeping it just as creamy and delicious.

What’s the best way to blend the soup?

For a chunkier texture, use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times; for super smoothness, transfer half the soup into a blender and then return it to the pot.

Can I replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk work well here but may slightly lighten the texture and flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed to enhance taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy is a winner in my book every single time. It’s the cozy hug you need on cold days, filled with vibrant veggies and cheesy goodness, yet it remains guilt-free and nourishing. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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