Cheese Soup is a cozy, comforting dish popular in mid-20th-century American home cooking. Known for its creamy texture and rich, savory flavor, it combines simple pantry ingredients, milk, cheese, and broth, with vegetables for a balanced, hearty meal. This recipe reflects the classic “church supper” and “family dinner” soups of the 1950s and 1960s, often enjoyed as a complete meal or as a warm starter on chilly evenings. Velveeta-style processed cheese provides its signature smooth melt and golden hue, while the addition of mustard and vegetables adds depth and brightness.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup margarine (or butter)
- 1 onion (medium, chopped)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 14 oz chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz cheese whiz (or processed cheese spread)
- 2 pkgs frozen mixed vegetables (cooked)
- 1 tsp prepared mustard
- water (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Melt margarine in a medium saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until tender.
Step 2: Create Base
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth gradually, stirring until smooth.
Step 3: Add Milk
- Slowly stir in milk while mixing continuously.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- Stir in cheese whiz until fully melted and incorporated.
- Reduce heat to medium.
Step 5: Add Vegetables & Mustard
- Add cooked frozen vegetables and mustard.
- Mix well.
Step 6: Adjust & Simmer
- Add water for thinner consistency if desired.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips
- Use Cheddar or American cheese if you prefer not to use the 8 oz jar of “cheese whey.”
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
- Use a bagged mixed vegetable blend (peas, carrots, corn, green beans) for convenience.
- Add diced potatoes for a heartier, chowder-like texture.
- Stir constantly when adding milk to avoid scorching or curdling.
- For thicker soup, increase flour slightly; for thinner soup, add extra water as handwritten.
- Add cooked ham or bacon for a smoky variation.
- A pinch of paprika or cayenne can enhance flavor without making it spicy.
- Serve inside bread bowls for a rustic presentation.
- Leftovers thicken in the fridge, reheat gently and whisk in a little milk or water.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 10gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 3200IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 1.2mg
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