🧀 Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
A rich, creamy Canadian-style cheese soup made with sharp cheddar, vegetables, and a velvety broth. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect with crusty bread.
Ingredients
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 carrot, finely diced
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1 celery stalk, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
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3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup (240 ml) milk
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
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2 cups (200 g) sharp Canadian cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
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½ teaspoon dry mustard
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Salt, to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables.
Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes. This cooks the raw flour and creates the base for a thick, creamy soup.
3. Add the Broth
Gradually whisk in the broth, making sure there are no lumps.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8–10 minutes, until slightly thickened and the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Milk and Cream
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Warm gently, but don’t let the soup boil.
5. Add the Cheddar
Gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth.
Stir in the dry mustard, paprika, and black pepper.
Taste and add salt if needed.
6. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or toasted baguette.
🧀 Tips for Smooth Cheese Soup
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Shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking ingredients that make melting less smooth.
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Use sharp cheddar for a stronger, more flavorful soup.
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Keep the heat low after adding the cheese. Boiling can cause the cheese and dairy to separate.
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If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra broth or milk.
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For a smoother soup, blend the vegetable-and-broth mixture before adding the dairy and cheese.
🌶️ Easy Variations
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Add cooked bacon for a smoky version.
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Stir in diced jalapeños for some heat.
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Add cooked broccoli for a broccoli-cheddar soup.
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Top with croutons and extra shredded cheddar.
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Substitute part of the cheddar with Canadian smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor.
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—this soup is especially delicious on a cold day with warm bread for dipping.
