Apple Cheddar Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamt of a soup that perfectly balances the crisp sweetness of apples with the rich, savory punch of cheddar, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Apple Cheddar Soup. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl, combining tender vegetables, warming spices, and the luxurious creaminess of melted cheddar. Every spoonful is a delicious dance of flavors and textures that’s both familiar and unexpectedly delightful, making it an ideal cozy meal to share with family or friends on any chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Apple Cheddar Soup’s unique taste and texture. Each simple ingredient plays a special role in creating the soup’s perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy.

• 3 tbsp butter: Provides a rich base and helps soften the vegetables for a smooth flavor foundation.
• 2 cups diced tart apple (about 2 apples): Adds a bright, fresh sweetness and natural fruit flavor that shines through the soup.
• 1 cup diced onion: Gives a mild sharpness and depth, balancing the apple’s sweetness beautifully.
• 1 cup diced carrot: Brings natural sweetness and bright color to the mix, enhancing the overall vibrancy.
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal note that pairs wonderfully with both apples and cheddar.
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary: Infuses a fragrant piney aroma that elevates the soup’s heartiness without overpowering.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, giving the soup its luscious, velvety texture.
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle kick and depth, enhancing the sharpness of cheddar perfectly.
• ½ tsp chili powder: Introduces a gentle warmth that rounds out the flavor profile nicely.
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Creates the soup’s liquid body, bringing together all the ingredients in harmony.
• 1 cup apple juice: Amplifies the fruity sweetness and maintains a light, refreshing character.
• 1-1/2 cups shredded extra old cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts in beautifully, giving the soup its signature creamy, tangy richness.
• Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all elements.
• Extra apple slices and cheddar for garnish (optional): Adds an inviting visual appeal and extra bursts of flavor with each spoonful.

How to Make Apple Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies and Apples

Start by melting butter in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples, onion, and carrot. Cook gently for about 7 to 8 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their sweet aromas. This slow cooking builds the soup’s flavor foundation, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Add Flour and Spices

Mix together the all-purpose flour, dry mustard powder, and chili powder in a small bowl before slowly stirring it into the softened vegetables. This step thickens the soup and introduces subtle warmth and depth from the spices, enhancing the overall savory-sweet flavor balance.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Apple Juice

Gradually add your broth and apple juice to the pot while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Then, cover the pot, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the soup to thicken and the flavors to marry as the apples and vegetables become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese

Slowly stir in the shredded extra old cheddar cheese. The cheese melts into the soup, transforming it into a luxuriously creamy concoction, rich with tangy, sharp cheddar flavor that defines this Apple Cheddar Soup.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth and Season

Remove the soup from heat, let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes, then carefully transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth and silky. Finally, adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, making sure every spoonful is perfectly balanced.

How to Serve Apple Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

To give your Apple Cheddar Soup that extra wow factor, try garnishing with thin apple slices and small shreds of cheddar. These not only make the soup look inviting but also add delightful texture contrasts and a pop of fresh flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crunchy crackers or a fresh crusty loaf of bread. The bread helps soak up the creamy soup, turning the meal into a hearty experience that’s satisfying and warm from start to finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Apple Cheddar Soup in hollowed-out mini apples or rustic bread bowls. This presentation instantly elevates the dish for special occasions, inviting guests to enjoy a visually stunning and delicious bowl of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cheddar Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Apple Cheddar Soup, but since it contains cheese and dairy, it’s best to freeze before adding the cheddar. Simply freeze the soup base in portions and add fresh shredded cheddar during reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and add the cheddar cheese gradually to maintain its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Cheddar’s sharp and tangy profile makes it ideal for this soup, but you can experiment with Gruyère or sharp Monterey Jack for a slightly different but still delicious taste. Just choose cheeses that melt well and have robust flavors.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without compromising the soup’s rich and vibrant flavor.

Can I make Apple Cheddar Soup dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, consider using a vegan butter substitute and a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor somewhat, but you can still enjoy the essence of the soup.

What kind of apples work best in this soup?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are perfect because they hold their shape well and add a bright contrast to the creamy cheddar. Avoid super sweet apples, which can overpower the soup’s savory elements.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Feel free to experiment by adding parsnips or celery for more depth. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate balance between the apples and cheddar that makes this soup so special.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cheddar Soup is truly one of those recipes that feels like a comforting friend during the colder months. With its blend of sweet apples, aromatic herbs, and velvety cheese, it’s a soul-satisfying dish you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, I can’t recommend making Apple Cheddar Soup enough—grab your ingredients and enjoy this cozy masterpiece today!

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