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I think I can count on one hand the people I know who don’t like cheese. Unfortunately for me, Mike is one of them, but that just means more of this soup for me, right? ;) This soup is creamy and rich, with a slightly smoky flavor from the turkey bacon. The flavors of the different veggies melt into the background, so the flavor of the Sharp White Cheddar really comes through. This soup is very thick, and almost dip-able in a fondue type of way. This makes an incredibly satisfying, heart-warming meal, in the same way that pajamas and pancakes fulfill a weekend morning. I’m sending this recipe over to Biz at Biggest Diabetic Loser for this week’s BSI (cheddar)!
If you’re anything like me (and could eat cheese with or in place of any meal) you’ll probably be tempted to eat the whole pot of this soup in one go. Because this soup is so rich, it’s probably better to stick with a smaller-than-normal soup serving…somewhere around 3/4 of a cup…trust me, this will fill you up!
White Cheddar Soup (Inspired by Disney’s Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup)
(Yield: 4 to 6 servings)
3 TB olive oil, divided
4 slices turkey bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 large ribs celery, finely diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/3 c all-purpose flour
2 c chicken or vegetable stock (or 2 c water and 1 bouillon cube)
1 1/2 c reduced-fat milk (I use 1%)
1 tsp each Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard
1 bay leaf
6 oz Sharp White Cheddar, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped scallion (optional, for garnish)
In a 3-quart pot, heat 2 TB of oil on medium heat; add the turkey bacon and sauté until crispy (about 5 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove the turkey bacon. To the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, the onion, and the celery; sauté over medium heat until the veggies are starting to soften (about 5 minutes). Add the shredded carrot and garlic, and sauté another 1-2 minutes, until the carrot starts to soften and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the flour and sauté 2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the chicken stock, milk, Worcestershire, and Dijon. Add the bay leaf. Stirring constantly, bring the soup up to a simmer, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer very gently for 10 minutes until the veggies are tender. Turn off the heat and whisk in the cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve garnished with the crispy turkey bacon and chives.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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Great BSI submission Faith! Mmmm. . . cheese!
I really want to make this! But I actually already have reservations at the Canada Steakhouse at EPCOT that inspired this recipe, so I wonder if I should wait to taste the real thing first!
I fall in love with all your recipes. I would have to make it without the meat but it sounds like it stands on its own.
This week’s BSI is cheddar cheese!!! You gotta send this in to Biz at the Biggest Diabetic Loser…it looks wonderful!!
Oh my! Your white cheddar chowder looks absolutely deliicous! A perfect comfort food for this insane Winter weather we have been having.
Clyde and Ben are BFFs, man.
Oh my goodness. This soup looks utterly utterly irresistible (can you tell I’m one of the true cheese lovers?). Love your bowl too – gorgeous!
We are BIG cheese lovers at our house. This soup is fantastic! I bet I’d have to make a double batch! :D
Love the bowl you have it in as well!
Oh yeah, and the “bowl” you used for the soup is so cute I’m gonna die!
Girl, you take gorgeous photos!! I really need to study food photography b/c when I look at blogs like yours, I realize how I am lacking. The soup looks wonderful. I tried to subscribe via email but got a message saying that it isn’t enabled–thought I’d let you know. Love the new look & title of your blog.
What a wonderfully delicious soup! I can’t wait to try this! Love the gorgeous red bowl!
although i can’t be counted among those who don’t like cheese, i’m VERY particular about the types that i’ll eat. pepperjack reigns supreme, but white cheddar is usually acceptable. orange cheddar, on the other hand, is not welcome on my plate. :)
and hey–great chowdah!
Ahhh brilliant as always Faith! I’ve only used cheese to top a French Onion Soup crouton but I can totally see how gorgeous it would be in a soup!
Love the cook dishes! The soup sound scrumptious. Great new look!
I had cheese soup out for dinner tonight and it was incredible! It looked exactly like this! So rich and delicious! I can’t wait to make my own.
Good Gravy! I just realized my blog roll is not updating with you new site…sigh! Sorry sweet friend, looks like I’ve been missing out!!
PRINTING! I love this and can’t wait to try it! As always…fabulous recipe and gorgeous pictures. I’m off now to update my blog roll…sorry sweet friend!
Love and hugs,
Karyn
Drooooooooool! This looks FABULOUS! Thanks for the recipe! Must make!
Wow! I love what you’ve done with your site. I love the background the most. I’ve been looking for a design just like that for a few things in my home. Perfect. Oh and as always the recipes are excellent. I can almost taste that white cheese chowder.
This sounds like a most delicious bowl of soup. I happen to be a fan of white cheddar. What a comforting meal!
I LOVE that bowl! It’s adorable!
I would love to put my pajamas on, eat a bowl of this amazing looking soup, and go to bed early! Looks so good!
Beautiful photos Faith!!! I love the pepper bowl and leaf plate. Lovely composition!! I have never made a cheese soup, but of course I would love it!! Unlike Mike, I do love cheese. I like that you mentioned that this soup fits into a fit, healthy meal plan if you are mindful of portion size. Agreed!!
I really have to try that combo once! It looks so good. Nice bowl and plate!
Cheers.
Rosa
Faith, what a surprise, I initially thought that my computer had an issue…awesome site :-)
Your cheddar soup looks delicious…very rich and creamy!
That soup looks delicious! Never have made a cheddar sou, but I’m going to now!
I could eat cheese anytime, anyplace, on anything!