Canadian Cheese Soup

Warm, comforting, and ultra-creamy, this Canadian Cheese Soup is a beloved classic that brings together the richness of cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a touch of spice. Inspired by traditional recipes from Canadian kitchens, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy weekends at home.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty starter or a satisfying main dish, this soup delivers bold flavors with every spoonful.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Creamy & Comforting – Velvety cheese blended with tender vegetables creates the perfect comfort food.
• Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike, this cheesy delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Simple Ingredients – Everyday pantry and fridge staples make this soup quick and easy to whip up.
• Customizable – Easily adjust spice levels, veggie combinations, or cheese blends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp ground mustard (optional for depth)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Liquid & Cheese Mixture:

• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half (or additional milk for a lighter version)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (adds extra meltiness)
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, enhances flavor)

For Garnish & Serving:

• Fresh chives or green onions, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese for topping
• Croutons or crusty bread for dipping

Tools You’ll Need

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Ladle for serving
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper.
3. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in the garlic, paprika, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Roux
5. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables.
6. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the flour is well incorporated and slightly golden (this thickens your soup).

Step 3: Add the Liquid
7. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
8. Add the milk and half-and-half, stirring well to combine.
9. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a boil.
10. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
11. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses a handful at a time.
12. Stir until each addition melts fully before adding more.
13. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
14. Continue stirring until the soup is velvety and smooth.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
15. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped chives or green onions.
16. Sprinkle extra cheese or add croutons for crunch.
17. Serve hot with slices of crusty bread or warm rolls.

Tips for the Best Canadian Cheese Soup

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
• Avoid High Heat After Adding Cheese – Keep the temperature low to prevent curdling or graininess.
• Make It Heartier – Add cooked shredded chicken or cooked ground beef for extra protein.
• Boost the Veggies – Try adding cauliflower florets, corn, or chopped spinach for variation.
• Spice It Up – A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce adds a kick for those who like it spicy.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Combo – Pair with grilled cheese sandwiches or buttery garlic toast.
• Crispy Topping – Add crispy turkey bacon bits or roasted chickpeas on top.
• Soup Bar Style – Serve with a variety of toppings: sour cream, hot sauce, or herb oil drizzle.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool and transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Note: cheese-based soups may change texture slightly when frozen.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat slowly over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Just use vegetable broth and skip any meat toppings.

2. What if I don’t have half-and-half?
You can use all whole milk, or substitute with a mix of milk and cream.

3. Is it gluten-free?
Not as written. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent to make it gluten-free.

4. Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Try a blend of sharp white cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts
This Canadian Cheese Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl of soup—rich, cheesy, and soul-warming. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter or a main dish, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Perfect for fall evenings, snowy days, or anytime you crave a creamy, cheesy bowl of goodness. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out. Leave a comment or tag your soup creation on social media—I’d love to see it!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Canadian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 16g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 550mg

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