Zesty Cheese Soup

Get ready to warm your soul with a comforting bowl of Zesty Cheese Soup! This creamy, velvety soup is bursting with bold flavors, thanks to the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, plus a kick of paprika and cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. The base of sautéed onions and garlic, thickened with a golden roux, creates a rich foundation, while whole milk, heavy cream, and chicken or vegetable stock contribute to its luscious texture. A dash of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth, making every spoonful irresistibly savory. Finished with a vibrant garnish of green onions, this cheese soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers, making it an ideal choice for a cozy lunch or dinner. It’s easy to make in just 45 minutes, so you can satisfy your comfort-food cravings without any fuss. Perfect for cheese lovers and fans of bold, zesty flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium (finely chopped) yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 stalks (thinly sliced for garnish) green onions
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 3

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Slowly add the chicken or vegetable stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 7

Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 8

Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to boil the soup to prevent curdling.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with thinly sliced green onions, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2345.6 grams (2345.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3400

Total Fat 280.20g	359%
Saturated Fat 175.10g	875%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 875mg	292%
Sodium 6804mg	296%
Total Carbohydrate 77.00g	28%
Dietary Fiber 4.00g	14%
Total Sugars 31.30g
Protein 139.70g	279%

Vitamin D 239IU	1193%
Calcium 3931mg	302%
Iron 4mg	20%
Potassium 1376mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.4%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 9.1%