If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, unexpected flavor combo that’ll instantly warm your soul (and have your taste buds begging for one more spoonful), look no further than Apple and Cheddar Soup. This velvety smooth bowl marries the gentle sweetness of tart apples with the bold richness of sharp white cheddar, wrapped in a creamy broth and dotted with the savory goodness of everyday veggies. It’s an irresistibly comforting soup that celebrates fall flavors, but trust me, you’ll want to make this classic all year round!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re about to be amazed at how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create the magic that is Apple and Cheddar Soup. Every component has a special role here—building layers of flavor, ensuring creamy texture, or adding eye-catching color. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This is the flavor foundation, giving richness and helping your vegetables soften beautifully.
- Onion (chopped): Classic onion brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
- Tart apples (peeled, cored, and chopped): Use Granny Smith apples for the very best tangy balance with the cheese.
- Carrot (chopped): Adds subtle earthiness and a lovely hint of orange color.
- Celery stalk (chopped): Brings freshness and a savory undertone, rounding out the veggie trio.
- Garlic (minced): A flavor booster that ties all the ingredients together.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup perfectly, giving you that luxurious creamy texture.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The soup’s main liquid—use whichever you prefer for a vegetarian or classic version.
- Apple cider: Infuses the soup with zippy apple sweetness and depth (don’t skip this if you want true apple magic!).
- Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way for bright flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Dried thyme: This herb adds gentle floral and earthy notes that pair beautifully with apples and cheddar.
- Salt & black pepper: Necessary for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Makes the final soup sumptuously silky—choose based on your richness preference.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded): The star of the show, melting in for bold, tangy, luxurious flavor.
- Apple slices and extra cheese for garnish (optional): Not only do these add visual flair, but they give fun bursts of texture and taste.
How to Make Apple and Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base
In a large soup pot, start by melting your butter over medium heat. Once gently bubbling, add onion, apples, carrot, and celery. Let everything sauté for 8 to 10 minutes; this is where the veggies get soft, sweet, and incredibly aromatic—building the first layer of savory sweetness your Apple and Cheddar Soup is known for.
Step 2: Add Garlic and the Roux
When the vegetables are tender, stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for just one fragrant minute. Then, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Creating a roux here is key—it gently thickens your soup and gives it that luxurious, creamy backbone we all crave.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Cider
Gradually pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and apple cider, whisking to keep things smooth. Toss in your Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce heat so the soup simmers steadily for about 15 minutes, until the veggies are melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors have mingled beautifully.
Step 4: Blend Until Velvety
It’s time for the transformation! Use an immersion blender right in the pot (or work in batches with a regular blender) to purée the soup. Aim for a smooth, silky consistency—this step makes Apple and Cheddar Soup so satisfying and elegant.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Melty Cheddar
With the heat on low, stir in your half-and-half or heavy cream. Then, slowly add hand-fuls of shredded sharp cheddar, stirring constantly so the cheese melts in and forms a perfectly smooth, thick, cheesy base. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot, creamy Apple and Cheddar Soup into bowls. Top each one with a few crisp apple slices and a flurry of extra cheddar if you’d like. From the first spoonful, you’ll fall in love with its cozy blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors!
How to Serve Apple and Cheddar Soup
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen garnish for your Apple and Cheddar Soup! Thin slices of tart apple fan beautifully on top, adding both crunch and color. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar catches the eye and adds a gooey bite. If you’re feeling indulgent, try a handful of crispy bacon bits or roasted pumpkin seeds for an unexpected pop of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs like a dream with crusty sourdough, a rustic baguette, or buttery herbed crackers that are just begging to be dipped. For a full meal, serve with a crisp green salad dressed in an apple cider vinaigrette, or set alongside warm roasted vegetables. The savory-sweet combo makes it supremely versatile!
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the soup bowl for something special: serve your Apple and Cheddar Soup in hollowed bread bowls for maximum coziness or in dainty teacups at a fall brunch. For parties, consider elegant shot glasses as soup shooters topped with a tiny apple matchstick—your guests will be talking about it for weeks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Apple and Cheddar Soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining its rich flavor and creamy texture. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving again!
Freezing
Freezing Apple and Cheddar Soup is possible, but keep in mind that cheese and cream-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. For best texture, cool the soup completely, store in portioned freezer-safe containers, and thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. This helps maintain that luscious, creamy finish. If you’re using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup thickens on standing, just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up as needed.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for Apple and Cheddar Soup?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith are classic for this recipe because they provide the punchy, bright flavor that balances the cheddar. However, you can try varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a bit more natural sweetness—just avoid mealy or overly soft apples.
Is Apple and Cheddar Soup vegetarian?
Yes, the soup can be entirely vegetarian if you stick with vegetable broth. Just be sure the cheddar cheese you choose is made without animal rennet if that’s important for your diet.
Can I make Apple and Cheddar Soup without an immersion blender?
Definitely! If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully ladle the soup into a regular blender and blend in batches until silky smooth. Remember to remove the center insert from the blender lid and cover with a towel to let steam escape safely.
What can I use instead of cream in this soup?
You can substitute the half-and-half or cream with whole milk or even an unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milk (like oat or cashew) if you want something a little lighter. Keep in mind the soup will be slightly less rich, but still delicious!
How can I add extra protein or texture?
For extra protein, stir in cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon just before serving. Croutons, toasted seeds, or a few roasted chickpeas also add wonderful crunch and a playful contrast to the soup’s creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, unexpected magic of a homemade bowl of Apple and Cheddar Soup. If you’re craving comfort and bold flavor, give this recipe a try the next time you need a warm hug in a bowl—your friends and family will ask for it again and again!
Print
Apple and Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Apple and Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for chilly days. Creamy and comforting, this soup is a must-try for any soup lover.
Ingredients
Vegetable Mix:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 medium carrot (chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches:
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Apple slices and extra cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter and cook onion, apples, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, flour, broth, apple cider, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Blend and Finish: Purée the soup, stir in half-and-half, then gradually add cheddar cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for optimal flavor.
- For added texture, consider mixing in chopped cooked bacon or roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
