Canadian Cheese Soup

Creamy, hearty, and deeply comforting

Canadian Cheese Soup is a warm, satisfying dish inspired by Canada’s love of dairy, root vegetables, and cozy comfort food. Often made with sharp cheddar, potatoes, onions, and a touch of cream, this soup is thick, velvety, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out—perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or après-ski comfort.

This version balances richness with savory depth, making it approachable, filling, and easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1½ cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2½ cups sharp Canadian cheddar cheese, grated
½ tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

Cooked bacon bits
Diced carrots or celery
A splash of maple syrup for subtle sweetness

Instructions

Step 1: Build the Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Potatoes

Stir in diced potatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to coat with butter.

Sprinkle in flour and stir well to form a light roux. Cook 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.

Step 3: Simmer

Gradually whisk in stock, followed by milk and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are very tender.

Step 4: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother soup, blend partially or fully using an immersion blender. Leave some chunks if you prefer texture.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated cheddar a handful at a time until fully melted.

Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Flavor & Texture

Thick and creamy
Savory with sharp cheddar depth
Mildly sweet from potatoes
Smooth, comforting finish

Tips for Perfect Cheese Soup

Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
Grate cheese fresh to avoid graininess
Keep heat low when adding cheese
Stir constantly for a silky texture

Variations

Broccoli Cheese Soup: add steamed broccoli
Beer Cheese Soup: replace ½ cup stock with light beer
Smoked Cheddar: adds depth and richness
Vegetarian: use vegetable stock

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Canadian Cheese Soup with:

Crusty sourdough or rye bread
Garlic toast
Simple green salad
Pickles or sliced apples

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days
Reheat gently, stirring often
Not ideal for freezing due to dairy content

Why This Recipe Works

Potatoes provide natural thickness
Roux stabilizes dairy
Sharp cheddar balances richness
Simple ingredients, big comfort

Final Thoughts

Canadian Cheese Soup is the definition of cozy cooking—simple, hearty, and endlessly comforting. Whether served as a starter or a main course, it delivers warmth and flavor that feel unmistakably Canadian.