Name: Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 3 cups chicken broth; 4 medium potatoes, cubed; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1 cup carrots, sliced; ½ cup onions, diced; 1 leek, green top removed, thoroughly washed and sliced; 2 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt; ½ tsp. pepper; 2 cups cooked, cubed ham; ½ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour; 1 quart whole milk (or half-and-half or cream for extra richness); 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (feel free to mix and match cheese varieties); Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with smoked tofu or a plant-based alternative; Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese

Jump to Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup is a glorious celebration of sharp cheddar cheese, tender potatoes, fresh veggies, and savory ham all blended into a velvety, luscious broth that comforts from the very first spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor the flavors, and indulge in pure coziness while sharing with friends or family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for comfort food that doesn’t skimp on richness or heartwarming goodness.

Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role. From the crispness of celery to the creamy sharp cheddar, every component contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this soup so memorable.

3 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, savory base that brings everything together.
4 medium potatoes, cubed: Adds natural creaminess and substance to the soup.
1 cup celery, chopped: Provides a fresh crunch and subtle earthiness.
1 cup carrots, sliced: Sweetness and vibrant color brighten the bowl.
½ cup onions, diced: Offers depth and aromatic warmth to the flavor profile.
1 leek, green top removed and sliced: Delivers a delicate onion-like flavor without overpowering.
2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt: Enhances all other flavors perfectly.
½ tsp pepper: Adds just a hint of spice for balance.
2 cups cooked, cubed ham: Brings hearty, smoky notes that complement the cheese beautifully.
½ cup unsalted butter: Essential for making a silky, rich cheese sauce.
½ cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce for that signature creamy texture.
1 quart whole milk (or half-and-half or cream): The liquid heart of the cheese sauce, providing smooth richness.
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the show delivering a bold cheesy punch.

How to Make Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by combining the chicken broth, potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, and leeks in a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Season with sea salt and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until all those veggies turn tender and start to release their beautiful flavors, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering step is where the magic of comforting warmth begins.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

While your vegetables soften, melt the unsalted butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux, stirring constantly so you avoid any lumps. Once it’s bubbly and golden, start adding your milk a little at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition so the sauce thickens beautifully and becomes smooth like silk. This creamy base is what gives the soup its unforgettable luscious texture.

Step 3: Add Cheese to the Sauce

Now, turn down the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese bit by bit. Keep stirring to help the cheese melt fully into the sauce, creating a rich, gooey mixture that is the very heart of this soup. This step is pure joy—the aroma alone will make you excited to dive in.

Step 4: Combine the Cheese Sauce with the Soup

Pour the creamy cheese sauce into the pot with your simmered vegetables and stir everything together so all those flavors mingle perfectly. Then, add the cooked, cubed ham, letting it heat through for about 5 to 10 minutes. This combination turns the soup into a harmonious blend of cheesy goodness and meaty bounty.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, ladle your Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe into bowls, maybe garnish if you like, and get ready to enjoy a truly soul-satisfying meal. Every spoonful promises cozy richness that’s ideal for any day that calls for a little extra love.

How to Serve Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this cozy soup even more, try topping it with crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh chives, or a sprinkle of paprika. Each garnish brings an additional burst of texture or flavor that complements the creamy, cheesy base beautifully.

Side Dishes

The best pairings for this soup are simple but delicious. Think warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that cheesy broth. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables with a hint of acidity balances the richness and completes your meal elegantly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to add an interactive, rustic vibe. Alternatively, add a drizzle of sharp mustard or hot sauce on top for a surprising kick that plays nicely with the creamy base.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup too, but be aware that the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. Freeze in meal-sized portions using freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2 months for best flavor and quality.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to prevent the cheese from separating and add a splash of milk if the soup seems too thick. This slow reheating keeps all that rich creaminess intact for another delicious serving.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the ham for a plant-based option like smoked tofu, or omit it altogether for a vegetarian-friendly Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe that still tastes incredible.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different but just as tasty flavor base. The key is to ensure the broth is well-seasoned to keep the soup flavorful and inviting.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! While sharp cheddar shines in this recipe, mixing in Gouda, Swiss, or even a bit of parmesan can add unique layers of flavor, making this classic soup your own delightful creation.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk and replace the cheddar with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that comforting feel and cheesy taste you love.

Is it possible to make the soup thicker or thinner?

Certainly! To thicken, reduce the broth amount or add a touch more flour to your sauce. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or milk to loosen up the consistency to your perfect comfort level.

Final Thoughts

This Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe truly captures the essence of comfort food in every bowl. It’s a recipe that feels like home, easy enough to prepare yet wonderfully satisfying with layers of flavors and textures. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like a cup of cheesy warmth to brighten the day.

Canadian Cheese Soup – Rich, Creamy, Comforting Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Canadian Cheese Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a velvety sharp cheddar cheese sauce, it combines savory ham and aromatic leeks for a hearty, satisfying bowl of warmth and flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, chopped celery, sliced carrots, diced onions, and sliced leeks. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Make the Cheese Sauce: While the vegetables are simmering, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly add the milk or cream, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Add Cheese to the Sauce: Once thickened, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and combined into a creamy sauce, about 5 minutes.
Combine the Cheese Sauce with the Soup: Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the simmered vegetables and stir well to combine. Add the cubed ham and heat through on low to medium heat for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Once heated thoroughly, ladle the Canadian Cheese Soup into bowls. Serve warm to enjoy the rich, cheesy comfort in every spoonful.

Notes

Use fresh vegetables, especially fresh potatoes, leeks, and carrots, for the best natural sweetness and texture.
Experiment with different cheese varieties such as Gouda or Swiss to customize the flavor profile.
Adjust soup thickness by either reducing broth quantity for thickness or adding more flour to the cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering, Sauce Making
Cuisine: Canadian