Canadian Cheese Soup

Here’s a classic Canadian Cheese Soup—rich, cozy, and perfect for cold weather 🇨🇦🧀
This version uses sharp Canadian cheddar, the star of the dish.

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🍲 Canadian Cheese Soup

⏱ Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 25 minutes

• Serves: 4–6

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🧺 Ingredients

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 cups whole milk (or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)

• 2½–3 cups sharp Canadian cheddar, freshly grated

• 1 tsp dry mustard

• ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional but traditional additions

• ½ cup beer (lager or ale)

• ½ cup diced carrots or celery

• Splash of Worcestershire sauce

• Pinch of cayenne

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Build the Base

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion (and carrots/celery if using); sauté until soft, ~5 minutes.

3. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.

4. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (do not brown).

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2. Add Liquids

1. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.

2. Add milk (and beer if using).

3. Simmer gently 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

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3. Add Cheese (Low Heat!)

1. Reduce heat to low.

2. Stir in dry mustard, paprika, and Worcestershire.

3. Add cheese by handfuls, stirring until melted before adding more.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

⚠️ Do not boil after adding cheese—this prevents graininess.

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🥖 Serve With

• Crusty bread or sourdough

• Pretzel rolls

• Bacon bits or chives on top

• Apple slices on the side (very Canadian!)

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🧀 Variations

• Quebec-style: Add a little Gruyère

• Extra hearty: Add diced potatoes

• Smoky: Use smoked cheddar

• Vegetarian: Use veggie broth

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If you want, I can:

• Turn this into a beer-cheddar soup

• Make it slow-cooker friendly

• Adapt it for gluten-free

• Scale it for a crowd