Description
This Wisconsin Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and packed with bold cheddar flavor. Made with fresh Wisconsin cheddar, butter, cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this creamy soup is perfect for chilly evenings. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal or a starter, its smooth texture and deep, cheesy taste will keep everyone coming back for more. Pair it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base & Flavoring:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely shredded
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening & Liquids:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheese & Seasoning:
- 3 cups sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup beer (for depth of flavor)
- Crumbled bacon, for garnish
- Chopped green onions or chives, for a fresh finish
- Croutons, for added crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion, celery, and carrot; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the broth, whisking continuously until smooth.
Step 3: Simmer & Develop Flavor
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and paprika, ensuring the mixture stays warm but does not boil.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If using, stir in beer for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and allow the soup to rest for a few minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with bacon, croutons, or green onions.
Notes
- For a smooth texture, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties.
- To prevent graininess, keep the heat low when adding cheese.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch (use half the amount).
- Want extra depth? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Midwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Wisconsin cheese soup, cheddar cheese soup, creamy cheese soup, Midwestern soup recipe, homemade cheese soup, easy cheese soup