Hudson's Ultimate Sharp Cheddar Soup
Inspired by the classic comfort food served in the charming cafes of Hudson's department store in Michigan, this Ultimate Sharp Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul. Using high-quality, aged cheddar cheese as the star ingredient, this creamy soup offers a rich, velvety texture enhanced by a hint of Angostura bitters, which adds a surprising depth of flavor. The medley of sautéed onions, celery, and carrots creates a savory base that perfectly complements the cheese, making this dish an instant favorite for cheese lovers. Enjoy it paired with crusty sourdough bread for the ultimate culinary experience that takes you back to the charming ambiance of Hudson's.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter, unsalted
4 tablespoons (melted)
onions
1 1/2 cups (finely chopped)
celery
1 cup (finely diced)
carrots
1 1/2 cups (finely diced)
flour
1/2 cup (sifted)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (sifted)
paprika
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
baking soda
1/8 teaspoon
whole milk
3 cups
chicken stock
3 cups
sharp aged cheddar cheese
2 lbs (shredded)
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
Angostura bitters
a dash per serving
parsley
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy.
2
Add the finely chopped onions, diced celery, and diced carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions have softened and become translucent.
3
Sprinkle the flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking soda over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux.
4
Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
5
Maintain heat and stir often, allowing the soup to simmer gently. Cook until the carrots are soft, which should take around 10-15 minutes.
6
If you prefer a creamy texture, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender at this stage.
7
Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp aged cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
8
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
9
Ladle the soup into bowls, adding a dash of Angostura bitters to each serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
10
Serve the soup with slices of crusty sourdough bread alongside.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hudson's Ultimate Sharp Cheddar Soup?
It is a rich and creamy soup inspired by the classic comfort food served in Hudson's department store cafes in Michigan, featuring high-quality aged cheddar.
What type of cheese is best for this soup?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of sharp aged cheddar cheese for a robust flavor and velvety texture.
Why are Angostura bitters added to the recipe?
A dash of Angostura bitters is added to each serving to provide a surprising depth of flavor that complements the cheese.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy.
Which vegetables are used in the soup base?
The savory base is made from 1 1/2 cups of onions, 1 cup of celery, and 1 1/2 cups of carrots.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are translucent and soft.
What ingredients make up the thickening roux?
The roux is created by stirring sifted flour, cornstarch, paprika, and baking soda into the sautéed vegetables.
Why is baking soda included in a cheese soup?
Baking soda is added to the vegetable roux to help balance the acidity and improve the overall consistency of the soup.
What liquids are used in this cheddar soup?
The recipe uses an equal mix of 3 cups of whole milk and 3 cups of chicken stock.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the soup?
Whisk the milk and chicken stock constantly while gradually pouring them into the roux to ensure a smooth mixture.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Allow the soup to simmer gently for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until the carrots are completely soft.
Can I use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer an exceptionally creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender once the vegetables are soft.
When is the best time to add the cheese?
Remove the pot from the heat first, then gradually stir in the shredded cheese until it is completely melted.
Why should I remove the pot from heat before adding cheese?
Removing from heat prevents the cheese from breaking or becoming grainy, ensuring a perfectly smooth incorporation.
How do I season Hudson's Sharp Cheddar Soup?
Once the cheese is melted, add salt and freshly ground pepper to your personal taste preference.
What is the recommended garnish?
The soup is typically garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a dash of Angostura bitters.
What should I serve alongside this soup?
It is best served with slices of crusty sourdough bread to complement the rich cheese flavor.
Is this soup considered vegetarian?
As written, the recipe uses chicken stock, so it is not vegetarian unless you substitute it with vegetable stock.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter for the initial sauté.
How much flour is used for thickening?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
For the best texture and melting results, it is recommended to shred high-quality sharp aged cheddar yourself.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is used alongside the flour to help stabilize the soup and provide a velvety finish.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped onions for the base.
What amount of carrots should be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of finely diced carrots.
How much celery is used?
The soup uses 1 cup of finely diced celery.
What kind of paprika should be used?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground paprika to add a hint of color and subtle warmth.
What type of milk is used for the creamiest result?
The recipe specifies 3 cups of whole milk for a rich, full-bodied soup.
How much cheese is used in total?
A full 2 pounds of shredded sharp aged cheddar cheese is used in this ultimate version of the soup.
Can I add the bitters directly to the pot?
The instructions suggest adding a dash of bitters to each individual bowl right before serving for the best impact.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The finished soup is described as having a rich, creamy, and velvety texture.