Vermont Cheddar Cheese Soup

Vermont Cheddar Cheese Soup

Rich, comforting, decadent…just some words to describe this cheesy soup. To take this soup from starter to entree, I sometimes serve it with a bacon grilled cheese…can there ever be too much cheese?

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups half and half (or light cream)
  • 2 1/2 cups white Vermont cheddar cheese, grated (10 ounces)
  • 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Dash Tabasco
  • 1/4 cup parsley

Directions:

  1. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add onions, celery and garlic and sauté 5 minutes.
  3. Mix in flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.
  4. Gradually stir in broth, bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 15 minutes. 
  5. Using a stick blender or standard blender, purée the soup until completely smooth.
  6. Add half and half to soup and bring to a simmer over medium heat. 
  7. Add cheese 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until cheese melts after each additions. 
  8. Add Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and parsley. 
  9. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Yields 6 Servings.

Five of My Favorite Simple Fall Recipes

  1. Vermont Cheddar Cheese Soup: This soup is perfect as the weather gets nippy and you begin craving comfort foods.
  2. Hot Spinach, Artichoke and Cheese Dip: Hosting a football party?  This tasty and simple dip will become a favorite of your friends and family.
  3. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches: Start the slow cooker in the morning and have fantastic family-friendly sandwiches for dinner.
  4. Breakfast Portobello Mushrooms with Shiitakes: Having a Sunday brunch?  This is a sure crowd-pleaser.
  5. Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bar:  This popular bar’s crust is shortbread-like and its filling is rich and chocolaty.  Warning – addictive!