Creamy, hearty, and usually built around cheddar, veggies, and a rich roux. Here’s a classic, old-school version, just like you’d get at a lodge or small-town café.
🍲 Canadian Cheese Soup (Classic Style)
Serves: 4–6
Time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
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4 tbsp butter
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½ cup onion, finely diced
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½ cup carrots, finely diced
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½ cup celery, finely diced
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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2 cups milk (or half-and-half for richer soup)
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2½ cups sharp Canadian cheddar, freshly shredded
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½ tsp dry mustard (very traditional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional)
Instructions
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Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté 5–7 minutes until soft (don’t brown).
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Sprinkle in flour; cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw taste.
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Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.
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Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
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Stir in dry mustard, pepper, and paprika.
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Reduce heat to low and gradually add cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
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Taste and adjust salt.
🥖 Optional Add-Ins (Very Canadian)
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Diced potatoes
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Cooked bacon or ham
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Splash of beer (lager or ale)
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Broccoli florets
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A little Worcestershire sauce
🔥 Pro Tips
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Use block cheese, not pre-shredded (melts smoother).
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Keep heat low once cheese goes in to avoid graininess.
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If soup thickens too much, thin with warm milk or broth.
🍁 Serving Ideas
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With crusty bread or garlic toast
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In a bread bowl
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Topped with chives or extra cheddar
If you want a beer-cheese version, slow cooker method, or a French-Canadian twist, I’m happy to riff 😄