Canadian Cheese Soup

1. Sauté Aromatics

• Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
• Add onion (and carrots/celery if using); cook 5–7 minutes until soft.
• Add garlic; cook 1 minute.

2. Make the Roux

• Sprinkle in flour; stir 1–2 minutes to cook off raw taste.
• Gradually whisk in milk and broth until smooth.

3. Simmer & Thicken

• Bring to a gentle simmer; cook 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Optional: Stir in beer or cider for depth.

4. Melt in the Cheese

• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in cheddar, Dijon, Worcestershire, cayenne, salt, and pepper—a handful at a time—until fully melted and glossy.
• Do not boil after adding cheese!

5. Serve Hot

• Ladle into bowls.
• Top with extra cheese, chives, croutons, or a dash of paprika.

Serving Suggestions

• 🥖 Classic pairing: Crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft pretzels
• 🥓 Canadian twist: Crumbled bacon or diced ham
• 🍟 Poutine-inspired: Pour over fries and top with cheese curds
• 🍷 Drink pairing: Lager, hard cider, or warm apple cider

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Fridge: Keeps up to 3 days—reheat gently on low with splash of milk.
• Freeze? Not ideal—cheese may separate. Best fresh!
• Prep ahead: Chop veggies; shred cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Gluten-free?A: Yes! Use GF flour or cornstarch slurry (mix 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water; add after broth).

Q: Grainy soup?A: Likely overheated or used pre-shredded cheese. Always melt cheese over low heat.

Q: Too thick?A: Stir in more broth or milk, ¼ cup at a time.

Q: Can I use other cheeses?A: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend—but aged cheddar gives authentic flavor.

❤️ The Heart of the Soup

Canadian Cheese Soup isn’t fancy—but it’s steeped in warmth and generosity. It’s what you serve after shoveling snow, what cafés offer with a smile on rainy days, and what turns simple ingredients into something soul-satisfying.

So melt that cheese, stir with care, and savor the moment. Because the best soups aren’t complicated—they’re creamy, cheesy, and made with love.

“Good soup doesn’t need a recipe—it just needs cheddar, mustard, and someone hungry.” 🧀🍁✨