JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME
JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME
Cheese-based soups, ranging from broccoli cheddar to French onion, serve as perfect comfort foods that are quick to prepare and ideal for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.
Cheese soups are often regarded as quintessential comfort foods, offering a warm, satisfying experience. Whether it’s the rich blend of sharp cheddar melting into a velvety broth with potatoes or the caramelized sweetness of onions paired with salty Gruyère, these dishes provide a cozy escape from busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
This collection features hearty recipes that celebrate timeless flavor combinations like beer cheese and broccoli cheddar, along with innovative spins on traditional favorites. From crowd-pleasing options to family-friendly dishes that even picky eaters will enjoy, these cheesy soup ideas remind us that comfort food can be both simple and indulgent. Grab your spoon and dive into the warmth-let’s serve up some comfort.
1/22
Onion and Cheese Soup
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: I made a couple of tweaks to this savory recipe I found in a community cookbook. It’s rich, buttery, cheesy, and incredibly quick to prepare. -Janice Pogozelski, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutritional Info (per cup): 308 calories, 22g fat (15g saturated), 65mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 14g carbs (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
2/22
Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat)
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup rivals the one from Panera Bread! My family requests it regularly. You can even make your own bread bowls using my recipe on Yammie’s Noshery. -Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Nutritional Info (per cup, excluding bread bowl): 422 calories, 32g fat (19g saturated), 107mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 15g carbs (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
3/22
French Onion Soup with Meatballs
Preparation Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: Inspired by a brewpub’s onion gravy, this hearty soup is my go-to when the weather turns chilly. It’s soul-warming comfort food. -Crystal Holsinger, Shock, Arizona
Nutritional Info (per serving): 403 calories, 26g fat, 67mg cholesterol, 1760mg sodium, 18g carbs, 22g protein.
4/22
Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Chef’s Note: My 10-year-old son and I created this rich, comforting soup. It’s now a family favorite. -Terrie Sowders, Carthage, Indiana
Nutritional Info (per serving): 317 calories, 11g fat, 73mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 31g carbs, 24g protein.
5/22
Macaroni and Cheese Soup
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20 (5 quarts)
Chef’s Note: With over two decades in the food service industry, I’ve perfected this cheesy soup at various jobs. It’s always a hit. -Emma Head, Fracture of Day Seaside, Missouri
Nutritional Info (per cup): 261 calories, 17g fat, 49mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 18g carbs, 9g protein.
6/22
Priscilla’s Vegetable Chowder
Preparation Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 (3 quarts)
Chef’s Note: Perfect for chilly days, this hearty vegetable chowder feeds a crowd and warms you from the inside out. -Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutritional Info (per cup): 281 calories, 18g fat, 58mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 22g carbs, 9g protein.
7/22
Classic Potato Soup
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Chef’s Note: This creamy, flavorful potato soup is my favorite. Inspired by baked potato dishes from popular eateries, I added bacon for extra richness. -Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutritional Info (per cup): 250 calories, 13g fat, 35mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 22g carbs, 12g protein.
8/22
Three-Cheese French Onion Soup
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 7
Chef’s Note: A perfect warm-up for autumn or cold days, this soup combines Swiss, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a rich, cheesy flavor that onion soup lovers will adore. -Gina Berry, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Nutritional Info (per serving): 205 calories, 12g fat, 34mg cholesterol, 1120mg sodium, 17g carbs, 8g protein.
9/22
Beer and Cheese Soup
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Chef’s Note: This hearty soup pairs well with pretzels or crusty bread, and even slices of cooked bratwurst or kielbasa stirred in for an extra treat. It’s a favorite among German cuisine enthusiasts. -Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Nutritional Info (per 3/4 cup): 450 calories, 36g fat, 102mg cholesterol, 925mg sodium, 12g carbs, 17g protein.
10/22
Cauliflower Soup
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Chef’s Note: This creamy cauliflower soup surpasses others I’ve tried. I love adding hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. -Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Nutritional Info (per cup): 160 calories, 11g fat, 30mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 10g carbs, 7g protein.
11/22
Cheesy Chili
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Chef’s Note: My grandchildren love this spicy, cheesy chili. It’s so creamy and flavorful, it can even be served as a dip at parties. -Codie Ray, Tallulah, Louisiana
Nutritional Info (per cup): 396 calories, 25g fat, 85mg cholesterol, 1166mg sodium, 13g carbs, 29g protein.
12/22
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: An easy, crowd-pleasing addition to potlucks, this soup combines the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu with a creamy cauliflower base. -Heidi Der, Stow, Ohio
Nutritional Info (per serving): 481 calories, 32g fat, 141mg cholesterol, 1254mg sodium, 11g carbs, 33g protein.
13/22
Ham and Potato Chowder
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Chef’s Note: My kids all agree this comforting chowder is the best. Filled with potatoes, carrots, and ham, it’s quick to make and perfect for busy days. -Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
Nutritional Info (per cup): 404 calories, 26g fat, 76mg cholesterol, 1081mg sodium, 20g carbs, 22g protein.
14/22
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: This mild, cheesy cauliflower soup is a personal favorite. I enjoy it year-round, especially in summer. -Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio
Nutritional Info (per cup): 186 calories, 11g fat, 36mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 10g carbs, 13g protein.
15/22
Roasted Pepper and Potato Soup
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: I love potato soup, and this creamy, flavorful version with lemon and cilantro is my favorite. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste. -Hollie Powell, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutritional Info (per cup): 204 calories, 9g fat, 11mg cholesterol, 1154mg sodium, 26g carbs, 6g protein.
16/22
Corn Chowder with Dumplings
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Chef’s Note: This spiced-up version of my popular corn chowder includes homemade dumplings, which my husband raves about! -Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Nutritional Info (per serving): 577 calories, 29g fat, 93mg cholesterol, 1424mg sodium, 71g carbs, 14g protein.
17/22
Broccoli and Beer Cheese Soup
Preparation Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Chef’s Note: Whether you add beer or not, this soup is delicious. I often freeze extra servings for later. -Lori Lee, Brooksville, Florida
Nutritional Info (per cup): 316 calories, 23g fat, 69mg cholesterol, 1068mg sodium, 13g carbs, 12g protein.
18/22
Cheddar and Chicken Soup
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Chef’s Note: Kids love this cheesy chicken soup, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s quick and packed with flavor. -LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutritional Info (per serving): 429 calories, 22g fat, 116mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 23g carbs, 33g protein.
19/22
Beer and Cheese Potato Soup
Preparation Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Chef’s Note: This smooth, velvety potato soup balances the subtle flavors of beer and cheese beautifully, creating a warming dish perfect for chilly days. -Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutritional Info (per cup): 225 calories, 11g fat, 32mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 21g carbs, 10g protein.
20/22
Golden Gouda and Mushroom Soup
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: An elegant starter for guests, this creamy, cheesy soup will warm you from the inside out and leave you craving more. -Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutritional Info (per cup): 412 calories, 33g fat, 114mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 13g carbs, 13g protein.
21/22
Garlic and Cheddar Bisque
Preparation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Note: I developed this cheddar bisque with a touch of root vegetables, topped with crushed pita chips and fresh parsley for garnish. It’s a comforting, flavorful starter. -Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutritional Info (per cup): 320 calories, 19g fat, 68mg cholesterol, 1307mg sodium, 18g carbs, 13g protein.
22/22
Classic Cheddar Cheese Soup
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Chef’s Note: This rich, cheesy soup was shared by a friend and has become a family favorite. Its full cheese flavor pairs perfectly with greens. We enjoy it year-round, not just during holidays. -Dee Falk, Stromsburg, Nebraska
Nutritional Info (per cup): 402 calories, 28g fat, 97mg cholesterol, 1088mg sodium, 17g carbs, 20g protein.
Cheese Soup FAQs
What types of soups are best suited for cheese additions?
Cheese enhances a wide variety of soups, from hearty and filling to light and vegetarian options. Hard cheeses like Parmesan add a salty punch while keeping the broth light, whereas meltier cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or cream cheese create rich, creamy textures. These cheeses can be incorporated into vegetable, pasta, or meat-based soups to elevate their flavor profile.
Which cheese varieties are ideal for melting into soup?
Cheddar, Gouda, and Gruyère are among the top choices for melting smoothly and imparting complex flavors. Softer cheeses like Brie, blue cheese, or goat cheese can be used sparingly to add distinctive tastes without curdling. To ensure a silky consistency, grate your cheese before adding it slowly off the heat once the soup has cooled slightly, preventing curdling and ensuring even melting.
What are some comforting cheese-based soups to try?
Comforting cheese soups often feature hearty ingredients like potatoes, pasta, or tender meats, combined with a creamy, cheesy base. These dishes are satisfying enough to serve as complete meals, but they also pair well with crusty bread or simple side salads to round out the meal.
