Creamy Cheddar Zucchini Bisque
Indulge in our Creamy Cheddar Zucchini Bisque, a velvety soup that perfectly showcases the vibrant flavors of summer squashes and sharp cheddar cheese. This hearty dish is not only easy to prepare but is also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. The blend of zucchini, onions, and flavorful spices creates a delightful harmony, while the creaminess from the cheese takes it to another level of comfort. Perfect for cozy dinners or a light lunch with friends, this bisque is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Share it with loved ones or savor its richness solo – either way, it promises to delight your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
6 cups (none)
onions
3 cups (diced)
squash
5 cups (diced (can include a mix of zucchini, yellow squash, and summer squash, using at least half zucchini))
zucchini
7 cups (sliced into thin half rounds (or full rounds if using small squash))
butter
3-4 tablespoons (none)
oregano
2 1/4 teaspoons (crumbled)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces (grated)
cream cheese
1 (3 ounce) package (none)
tamari
3 tablespoons (none)
black pepper or cayenne
1/4 teaspoon or pinch (none)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the water, diced onions, and diced squash. Stir in the butter and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the squash begins to break down, creating a flavorful broth.
3
Carefully add the sliced zucchini, crumbled oregano, and minced garlic to the pot. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil once more.
4
After reaching a boil, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the zucchini slices are slightly tender but still hold their shape.
5
Reduce the heat to low. In a blender, blend together 1 1/2 cups of the hot soup broth along with some of the cooked zucchini until smooth. Slowly add the grated cheddar and cream cheese, blending until creamy and well combined.
6
Pour the blended mixture back into the pot with the remaining soup. Stir well to incorporate.
7
Turn off the heat and add the tamari, black pepper (or cayenne, if using), and salt to taste. Stir and adjust seasonings as needed.
8
Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Zucchini Bisque?
It is a velvety soup that showcases the vibrant flavors of summer squashes and sharp cheddar cheese.
What kind of squash can I use in this recipe?
You can use a mix of zucchini, yellow squash, and summer squash, provided at least half of the mix is zucchini.
How long does the initial squash base need to simmer?
The water, onions, and diced squash should simmer for about 45 minutes until the squash begins to break down.
What type of cheese provides the creaminess in this bisque?
The recipe uses a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian and uses vegetable-based ingredients and cheese.
How much zucchini is required for the second cooking stage?
You will need 7 cups of zucchini sliced into thin half rounds.
How should the onions be prepared?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of diced onions.
What is the purpose of the blender in this recipe?
The blender is used to combine 1.5 cups of hot broth, some cooked zucchini, and the cheeses into a smooth, creamy mixture.
When do you add the tamari and salt?
Tamari, salt, and pepper are added at the very end after the heat has been turned off.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of black pepper for added heat.
How much water is needed for the broth?
The recipe requires 6 cups of water.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
One clove of minced garlic is used in this recipe.
What size package of cream cheese is used?
A 3-ounce package of cream cheese is required.
How long do the zucchini slices cook?
The sliced zucchini should simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly tender.
Is the pot covered during the first simmering stage?
Yes, you should cover the pot while simmering the squash and onions for 45 minutes.
How much butter is used in the soup?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 tablespoons of butter.
What is the preparation for the squash used in the base?
The 5 cups of squash used in the first step should be diced.
How much oregano is added to the bisque?
2 1/4 teaspoons of crumbled oregano are used.
Can I garnish this soup?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the soup hot, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
What heat setting is used to bring the soup to a boil?
Use medium-high heat to bring the initial mixture to a boil.
How much sharp cheddar cheese is needed?
6 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese is required.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Do I blend the entire pot of soup?
No, you only blend 1 1/2 cups of the hot broth and some zucchini with the cheese, then stir it back into the pot.
Can I use full rounds of zucchini?
Yes, you can use full rounds if you are using small squash.
Is this bisque considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a hearty, satisfying meal.
What type of tamari is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of tamari for seasoning.
Should the heat be on when adding the cheese mixture back in?
The instructions suggest reducing the heat to low before blending and stirring the mixture back in.
What happens to the squash in the first 45 minutes?
The squash breaks down to create a flavorful broth.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine water, diced onions, diced squash, and butter in a large pot and bring to a boil.