Hearty Cheddar & Cream Cheese Soup
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Hearty Cheddar & Cream Cheese Soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This slow cooker recipe not only delivers robust flavors from a blend of tender vegetables and savory chicken broth but also features two types of cheese—cream cheese for a smooth texture and shredded cheddar for that sharp flavor—making each bowl a delightful experience. Whether served as a comforting meal or a party starter, this cheese soup is sure to impress your family and friends.
6-8
Servings
225
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (canned)
onion
1 small (chopped)
carrot
1 large (chopped)
celery rib
1 (chopped)
sweet red pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
flour
1/3 cup (all-purpose)
cold water
1/3 cup (for thickening)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (cubed and softened)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (for flavor)
beer
1 (12 ounce) can (optional)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, chopped onion, carrot, celery, and sweet red pepper.
2
Add the melted butter, salt, and pepper; stir until well mixed.
3
Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and cold water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the soup to help thicken it.
5
Cover and switch the slow cooker to high heat, cooking for an additional 30 minutes or until the soup has thickened.
6
Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until both cheeses are thoroughly blended and melted.
7
If desired, stir in the beer for an added depth of flavor, and cover the slow cooker until everything is heated through.
8
Serve warm, garnished with optional toppings such as croutons, popcorn, crispy bacon, or sliced green onions.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
16g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Cheddar & Cream Cheese Soup?
It is a rich and creamy soup made with a blend of tender vegetables, chicken broth, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese, prepared in a slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes between 6 to 8 servings.
What is the primary cooking method for this soup?
The soup is prepared using a slow cooker, initially on low heat and later switched to high heat for thickening.
How long does the soup need to cook on low heat?
The vegetables and broth should cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three 14.5-ounce cans of chicken broth.
Which vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes a small onion, a large carrot, a celery rib, and 1/4 cup of sweet red pepper.
Is this soup vegetarian?
As written, it contains chicken broth, but it can be made vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable broth.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce package of cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by stirring in a smooth mixture of 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup cold water.
When do you add the cheese to the soup?
The cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar are added after the soup has thickened on high heat for 30 minutes.
Is the beer a required ingredient?
No, adding a 12-ounce can of beer is optional and intended to add a depth of flavor.
How long do I cook the soup after adding the flour mixture?
After adding the thickening mixture, cook the soup on high heat for 30 minutes.
What are the recommended garnishes for this soup?
Optional garnishes include croutons, popcorn, crispy bacon, or sliced green onions.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains 14 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of protein.
How should the cream cheese be prepared for this recipe?
The cream cheese should be cubed and softened before being stirred into the soup.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a great comfort food option.
What is the preparation for the sweet red pepper?
The sweet red pepper should be chopped and you will need 1/4 cup.
Can this soup be served at parties?
Yes, it is categorized as a great party food and a hearty appetizer or meal.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for one small chopped onion.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Why is cold water used for the thickening mixture?
Cold water is mixed with flour to ensure the slurry is smooth and does not clump when added to the hot soup.
What kind of cheddar cheese is best?
The recipe suggests shredded cheddar cheese to provide a sharp flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What type of flour should be used?
You should use all-purpose flour for the thickening process.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe belongs to the Cheese category.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Primary tags include cheese soup, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, and hearty soup.