Creamy cheese apple soup is autumn in a bowl! This comforting soup combines the tangy sweetness of apples with the savory richness of cheese, creating a truly unique and unforgettable flavor profile. The first time I had a creamy cheese apple soup, it was at a small Vermont country store. The memory of that warm, cheesy, and slightly sweet soup on a crisp fall day stuck with me and inspired this recipe. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this creamy cheese apple soup.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
This creamy cheese apple soup is more than just a meal it’s a hug in a bowl! It’s luxuriously creamy, unbelievably flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those fall apples.
Imagine the sweet and tart notes of apples mingling with the sharp cheddar cheese, all simmered into a comforting, creamy base. It’s a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for a fall gathering.
Follow us on Pinterest for more comforting and delicious recipes.
Ingredients Needed for This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
For the Soup:- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped apple
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Croutons
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh thyme
How to Make This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
- 1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the chopped apples and continue to simmer for about 10 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
- 3. Remove the pot from the heat and carefully purée the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids!
- 4. Return the pot to low heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is smooth. Be careful not to boil the soup, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
- 5. Stir in the heavy cream and ground nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6. Continue to heat on low for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. I like to add a dash of hot sauce for a bit of tang!
How to Serve This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
Serve this creamy cheese apple soup hot, topped with your favorite garnishes. Some great options include chopped apple, extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy croutons, bacon bits, or a sprig of fresh thyme.
Pair this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, a crusty baguette, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. These cheddar biscuits would also be a great accompaniment.
How to Store This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover creamy cheese apple soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: While freezing is possible, the texture of the soup may change slightly upon thawing. The cream and cheese can separate, so it’s best to freeze without adding the cream and cheese. Add them after reheating. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheating: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, if frozen. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you froze the soup before adding cream and cheese, stir them in after reheating. Don’t let the soup boil.Tips to Make This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
- For a smoother soup, peel the apples before chopping them. This will get rid of any skin that can cause slight lumps!
- Use a high quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. I prefer sharp cheddar for that extra bit of zing.
- If you want a thicker soup, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering.
- If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try using chicken stock instead of broth.
- Don’t boil the soup after adding the cheese, or it might separate. Use low heat and stir constantly.
Helpful Notes for This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
Choosing the right apple is key. Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples are all great choices for this creamy cheese apple soup, as they provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness, and they cook down well. Avoid apples that are too tart, such as Granny Smith, as they may overpower the other flavors.
If you prefer a smoother soup, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve after blending to remove any remaining apple chunks.
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, which is the easiest method. If using a regular blender, work in batches and be very careful when blending hot liquids to avoid accidents.
Variation of This creamy cheese apple soup Recipe
- Cheddar beer soup twist: For a heartier variation, add 1/2 cup of beer to the soup during the cooking process. Stout and amber ales work best, adding a rich, malty flavor that complements the cheese and apples beautifully. The flavors of a cheddar beer soup also blend well.
- Spiced apple soup: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, or allspice for a warmer, more festive flavor.
- Butternut squash apple soup: Combine cooked butternut squash with the apples for a sweeter, more autumnal soup.
- Vegan cheesy apple soup: Use plant based butter, vegetable broth, plant based cheese shreds, and nondairy cream to make this a vegan dish.
What kind of cheese is best for creamy cheese apple soup?
Sharp cheddar provides a wonderful flavor contrast to the sweetness of the apples. Gruyere or Gouda are also great choices that offer a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
Can I make creamy cheese apple soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure any other ingredients, like cheese, are also vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent my creamy cheese apple soup from curdling?
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese. Keep the heat low and stir gently until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. You can also temper the cheese by mixing a small amount of the warm soup into the shredded cheese before adding it to the pot.
Can I freeze leftover creamy cheese apple soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze creamy cheese apple soup, as the texture of the dairy products may change upon thawing, resulting in a grainy or separated consistency. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Conclusion
This creamy cheese apple soup is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s perfect for any fall occasion. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a comforting and unforgettable meal. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments what you think of this creamy cheese apple soup.