Canadian Cheese Soup

Name: Canadian Cheese Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tsp Dijon mustard (enhances the cheese flavor); ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds depth); ¼ tsp cayenne (for a kick); Crumbled cooked beef or chicken (for added protein); Extra shredded cheese; Chopped chives or green onions; Crusty bread or soft pretzels

Posted on April 7, 2025

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Rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors, this Canadian Cheese Soup is a true cold-weather classic. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, tender vegetables, and a velvety broth, it’s hearty enough for a main course and perfect for dipping crusty bread. Whether you’re warming up after a snowy day or looking for an easy family-friendly meal, this soup delivers bold, satisfying flavor in every spoonful.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Warm & Comforting – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with cozy flavors.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
Vegetable-Rich – Includes carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes for a hearty base.
Family Favorite – Mild, cheesy flavor kids and adults love.
Perfect for Freezing – Great for make-ahead lunches and dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

1 tsp Dijon mustard (enhances the cheese flavor)
½ tsp smoked paprika (adds depth)
¼ tsp cayenne (for a kick)
Crumbled cooked beef or chicken (for added protein)

For Serving:

Extra shredded cheese
Chopped chives or green onions
Crusty bread or soft pretzels

Tools You’ll Need

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cheese grater
Ladle
Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Flour
Add diced potatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the veggies evenly.
Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Blend (Optional)
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup.
Leave it chunky if you prefer more texture.

Step 5: Add Milk, Cream, and Cheese
Stir in the milk and cream, and let it warm without boiling.
Gradually add shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and any optional flavorings like mustard or paprika.

Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, green onions, or a drizzle of cream.
Serve with crusty bread, pretzel rolls, or garlic toast.

Tips for the Best Cheese Soup
Use Good Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor. Always shred your own for better melting.
Don’t Boil After Adding Cheese – High heat can cause the cheese to separate.
Adjust Thickness – Add more broth for a thinner soup, or mash some of the potatoes to thicken.
Add Protein – Stir in shredded cooked chicken or browned beef for a heartier dish.
Make It Spicy – A dash of cayenne or hot sauce adds great depth.

Serving Suggestions
Pair With:

Soft pretzels or garlic bread
Side salad with vinaigrette
Grilled sandwiches (turkey, ham, or veggie)
Apple slices or grapes for a sweet contrast

Toppings:

Extra cheese
Crumbled turkey bacon
Sliced scallions or chives
Sour cream or Greek yogurt

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to shred your own. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect smooth melting.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.

3. What kind of milk should I use?
Whole or 2% milk is ideal for creaminess, but dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk can also be used.

4. Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely—shredded chicken, cooked beef, or turkey sausage are all great options.

5. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but thaw and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Canadian Cheese Soup is pure cozy comfort in a bowl. From the creamy cheddar base to the hearty veggies and optional savory mix-ins, it’s a recipe that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main, it’s guaranteed to satisfy—and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Try it out and bring a little Northern charm to your next meal!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Canadian