The Best Cheese Soup (adapted from the 1886 Cafe, Austin, TX)

Warm, creamy and satisfying, this delicious, cheesy soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect to sip on a chilly evening. Garnish the soup with croutons, sliced scallions, or chopped ham or bacon. It really deserves the title of the best cheese soup!

I got this recipe from the chef at the Driskoll Hotel in Austin, Texas while I was there for a conference. I ordered a cup of this delicious soup for lunch, which turned into a second cup and then a bowl at dinner time. Needless to say, I was a fan.

When I read the recipe, I was shocked to read that they used Velveeta cheese. Really? I was sure it was an error. From trial and error, trust me when I say to you….USE VELVEETA! It makes a smoother, creamier, and thicker soup. It’s a texture thing.

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE:

• You want to use a food processor to chop the vegetables very fine. If you don’t want to use or don’t have a food processor, mince the vegetables as fine as possible. Using finely minced aromatics keeps the silky texture of the soup.
• Using Velveeta really makes a difference in the thickness and creaminess of the soup. But if you want to use cheddar, be sure to grate your own cheese. Using the packaged shredded cheddar will leave your soup with a grainy texture. Packaged shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent on it that prevents it from melting smoothly.
• Keep the heat low when simmering the soup. It does and will scorch very easily. Stir often and once the cheese is melted and the soup is thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Warm the soup as needed in the microwave, or use a double boiler.

TOPPING SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR SOUP:

• Grated cheddar or parmesan cheese
• Sliced scallions, minced, fresh jalapenos, or diced red onions
• Crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or crab meat
• Croutons, oyster crackers, or tortilla strips
• The best topping is actually a soft pretzel to dip in the yummy soup. This is my favorite.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE EASIER:

• Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup – use this in the microwave and put it in the dishwasher.
• Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons-6 Piece – I love the long, rectangle design. They even fit into small spice jars.
• Extra Thick Flexible Plastic Kitchen Cutting Board Mats Set, Set of 6 Colored Mats With Food Icons & Easy-Grip Handles, Non-Porous, Dishwasher – different colors for different foods. No more onion flavored fruit. It’ a good thing.
• J.A Henckels International Classic Starter Knife Set, 3-Piece – good knives make food prep easier…and safer.
• Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Food Processor – this inexpensive tool makes food prep so much easier!
• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Brushed Stainless 12-Quart Stockpot with Cover
• White, LIFVER 1.1 Quart Porcelain Serving Bowls,Set of 4 – These have a beautiful shape; they are a perfect size. These are my favorite bowls!

Make The Best Cheese Soup a meal with this recipe for a beautiful Autumn Salad, a slice of Cheddar Jalapeno Bread, and a square of Millie’s Old Fashioned Lemon Bar.

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