Cheese Soup from Alton Brown

Indulge in the rich and velvety comfort of Alton Brown's Cheese Soup, a classic recipe that balances creamy sharp cheddar with a medley of fresh vegetables for a flavor-packed bowl of goodness. Made with sautéed onion, carrot, and celery, this easy-to-follow recipe builds a hearty base before incorporating chicken broth and whole milk for a perfectly smooth texture. The sharp cheddar cheese takes center stage, melting seamlessly into the soup, while a hint of Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and black pepper adds a savory depth. Ready in under 40 minutes, this satisfying cheese soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a starter for entertaining, especially when paired with crusty bread or crunchy croutons. With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, this is a must-try for cheese lovers and soup enthusiasts alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and melt completely.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the saucepan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to coat the vegetables and cook slightly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken slightly.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in the milk. Continue to heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling.

Step 6

Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring after each addition to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.

Step 7

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 8

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, alongside crusty bread or croutons.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1509.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1428.3

Total Fat 104.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 331.3mg	0%
Sodium 4573.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 53.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g	0%
Total Sugars 22.9g
Protein 78.3g	0%

Vitamin D 155.4IU	0%
Calcium 2074.6mg	0%
Iron 6.1mg	0%
Potassium 1953.8mg	0%

*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: 64.0%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 14.6%