Apple and Cheddar Soup: A Cozy Fall Comfort in a Bowl!

When fall starts painting the world in hues of orange, red, and gold, there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings together two unexpected ingredients—tart apples and sharp cheddar cheese—into a velvety, creamy, and utterly delicious Apple and Cheddar Soup. 🍂

This delightful combination balances the sweetness of apples with the savory sharpness of cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate cozy meal for cool weather. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or want a comforting dish to enjoy at home, this soup will be a hit!

Get quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Subscribe here.

Why You’ll Love This Apple and Cheddar Soup

This Apple and Cheddar Soup is anything but ordinary! It’s a wonderful balance of creamy, sweet, and savory, making it perfect for those chilly autumn days. Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Unique Flavor Fusion: Apples provide a natural sweetness and tartness, beautifully balanced by the rich sharpness of cheddar cheese.
• Comforting and Creamy: Every spoonful feels like a warm hug! It’s rich and creamy but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down.
• Easy to Make: It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend treat.
• Perfect for Fall: This soup tastes like autumn, with the warmth of cooked apples and melted cheese blending into something special.

Ready to dive into this bowl of comfort? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Apple and Cheddar Soup

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 apples (peeled and chopped): Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy-sweet contrast.
• 1 onion (chopped): A sweet yellow onion works best, adding a mellow base flavor.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Use sharp cheddar to enhance the savory notes of the soup.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory backbone that ties the flavors together.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the onion and adding depth.
• 1 teaspoon thyme: Thyme brings a warm, herbal note to balance the flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.

Try This High Quality Blender!

Blender

Buy Now →

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a cozy fall flavor boost.
• For a spicy kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika will add depth and heat.

How to Make Apple and Cheddar Soup

This soup is straightforward, but the flavor payoff is huge! Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Apples and Thyme: Once the onions are soft, toss in the peeled and chopped apples along with the thyme. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and absorb the fragrant thyme.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the apples are tender.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring the soup in batches to a regular blender), blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Add Cheese and Cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth.
6. Season and Serve: Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle into bowls and serve hot!

What to Serve with Apple and Cheddar Soup

This soup pairs wonderfully with various sides! Here are a few ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of rustic sourdough or French bread is perfect for dunking.
• Green Salad: Balance the richness with a light salad, like a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Double down on cheesy goodness with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for an indulgent meal.

Looking for more comforting recipes to round out your meal? Try these:

• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes: A flavorful and satisfying side dish.
• Cowboy Candy (Sweet & Hot Pickled Peppers): The perfect sweet and spicy addition to any meal.
• Golden Whole Roasted Cauliflower: A healthy, golden-crusted vegetable dish that’s simply irresistible!

Tips for Making the Best Apple and Cheddar Soup

1. Choose the Right Apples: The best apples for this soup are tart ones, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which provide a perfect balance to the richness of the cheddar.
2. Blend for Creaminess: Blending the soup is key to achieving that rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some apple pieces intact.
3. Use Fresh Cheddar: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
4. Don’t Skip the Cream: While you can substitute with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, the heavy cream elevates the soup’s richness.

Storing and Reheating Apple and Cheddar Soup

This soup stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What are the best types of apples to use?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they balance the richness of the cheese.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar provides the ideal savory punch, you can experiment with gouda or even a smoked cheddar for a unique twist.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! This soup reheats very well, so you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion: A Soup That Will Warm Your Soul

There’s something magical about the way apples and cheddar come together in this creamy, satisfying soup. It’s a perfect choice for any cozy fall evening and comes together in under 30 minutes! You’ll love the balance of flavors, from the slight sweetness of the apples to the rich sharpness of the cheese. I guarantee this will become a new favorite in your autumn recipe collection.

Looking for more comforting and creative recipes? Check out:

• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
• Cowboy Candy (Sweet & Hot Pickled Peppers)
• Golden Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share your own version with us!

Get quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Subscribe here.

Print