When the air turns crisp and the leaves start crunching underfoot, nothing warms my Texas heart like a big bowl of Apple Cheddar Soup. This recipe has just the right balance of creamy cheddar and tart apple sweetness—a combo that surprises people the first time they try it, but quickly wins them over. Honestly, my kids call it “mac and cheese soup with apples,” which feels pretty accurate (and always gets them to clean their bowls).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cheddar Soup
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: Cheddar brings the cozy vibes, while apple adds a fresh pop of sweetness.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Versatile: Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or even a fall salad.
What Does Apple Cheddar Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the tangy bite of sharp cheddar cheese wrapped in the mellow sweetness of tart apples. The rosemary and thyme give it that earthy, comforting flavor you’d expect from a homemade fall soup. It’s smooth, velvety, and just a little unexpected—in the best way.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cheddar Soup Recipe
The beauty of Apple Cheddar Soup is that it uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a special role in bringing out that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter (3 tablespoons): The rich base that adds depth and creaminess. Don’t skimp here—real butter is what makes the veggies and apples sing.
- Tart Apples (2 cups, diced): Granny Smith apples are my favorite choice because their sharp, tangy bite balances beautifully with the richness of cheddar. Sweeter apples can be used, but they’ll change the overall flavor.
- Onion (1 cup, diced): Provides a savory backbone and blends smoothly once the soup is pureed.
- Carrots (1 cup, diced): They add natural sweetness and a lovely earthy note, plus that gorgeous golden-orange color when blended with cheddar.
- Fresh Herbs – Thyme & Rosemary (1 tablespoon each): These bring a comforting, woodsy aroma that makes your kitchen smell heavenly while the soup simmers.
- Flour (¼ cup, all-purpose): This thickens the soup, giving it that luscious, velvety texture we all crave in comfort food.
- Dry Mustard Powder (1 teaspoon): A little goes a long way—this subtle seasoning highlights the cheddar’s sharpness without overwhelming the apples.
- Chili Powder (½ teaspoon): Don’t worry, it won’t make your soup spicy. It just adds a gentle warmth and complexity.
- Broth (2 cups, chicken or vegetable): Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly bowl. (P.S. If you’re a soup lover, you’ll also adore my Carrot Potato Soup—another cozy option for busy weeknights.)
- Apple Juice (1 cup): This is the secret ingredient that boosts the apple flavor, making the soup both refreshing and comforting.
- Extra Old Cheddar Cheese (1-½ cups, shredded): The star of the show! Choose a high-quality sharp cheddar—it melts beautifully and gives the soup that bold, tangy kick.
- Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste): Simple, but essential. Adjust at the very end for the best flavor balance.
- Optional Garnish: Thin apple slices and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for presentation that’s as cozy as it tastes.
This ingredient list may look familiar if you’ve made other creamy soups from my kitchen—like the Creamy Butternut Squash Soup. But the Apple Cheddar Soup has its own distinct charm, thanks to that sweet-and-savory apple-cheese combination that you just don’t find in everyday soups.
How to Make Apple Cheddar Soup Recipe (Step by Step)
Making Apple Cheddar Soup might sound fancy, but I promise it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight. Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness on the table in under 40 minutes.
Step 1: Start with a Buttery Base
In a large saucepan or soup pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. This isn’t just about preventing sticking—it’s about building that rich, velvety foundation that makes the soup taste indulgent.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Apples
Add the diced apples, onion, and carrots to the melted butter. Cook slowly over medium-low heat for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the carrots begin to soften and the apples release a subtle sweetness that perfumes your kitchen.
Pro tip: This step is where the magic begins, so don’t rush it. Think of it as the moment where sweet meets savory.
Step 3: Season with Flavor Power
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, dry mustard powder, and chili powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sautéed apples and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything. The flour will absorb the buttery juices and form a light roux (fancy word for thickener). This ensures your Apple Cheddar Soup will be luxuriously creamy.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Apple Juice
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the apple juice, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, the mixture should look like a slightly thickened stew. Bring the heat down to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes. By the end, your veggies and apples should be soft enough to mash with a spoon.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Goodness
Now comes the best part—stir in the shredded extra old cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Don’t dump it in all at once, or it may clump. Instead, stir slowly, letting the heat gently melt each addition into silky ribbons of flavor. This step transforms your soup from “cozy veggie broth” into the creamy, dreamy Apple Cheddar Soup you’ve been craving.
Step 6: Blend Until Smooth
Take the soup off the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes (trust me, this keeps you safe from hot splatters). Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth and velvety. If you like your soup rustic, you can leave it slightly chunky—but my kids call this the “mac and cheese smoothie” version, and it’s always a hit.
Step 7: Taste and Season
Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Taste it, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Remember, cheddar already brings saltiness, so season gently.
Step 8: Serve with Cozy Finishing Touches
Ladle your Apple Cheddar Soup into bowls. Garnish with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar if you want it extra fancy. Serve with crackers, crusty bread, or even a side salad. (For another cozy pairing, I love making my Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup on soup nights and letting everyone pick their favorite.)
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Cheddar Soup
- Don’t Rush the Blend: Let the soup cool just a bit before blending—it’s safer and keeps it creamy.
- Cheddar Choice: Extra old cheddar gives the best flavor. Milder cheddar will work, but it won’t have the same punch.
- Thicker Soup? Use a little less broth for a heartier spoonful.
- Add a Kick: A dash of cayenne can bring gentle heat if you like spice.
- Serving Idea: Try it in a bread bowl for the ultimate cozy dinner!
Storage for Apple Cheddar Soup
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Just reheat slowly over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—just swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Can I use a sweeter apple?
You can, but tart apples (like Granny Smith) balance the cheddar best.
Do I have to blend it?
Not at all. If you like chunky soup, skip the blender and enjoy it rustic-style.
Conclusion
This Apple Cheddar Soup is my idea of comfort in a bowl. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests. Every spoonful feels like fall wrapped in a cozy blanket. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Carrot Potato Soup or my Creamy Butternut Squash Soup for more comforting bowls of goodness.
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The Best Apple Cheddar Soup – A Remarkable 35-Minute Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and savory Apple Cheddar Soup combines tart apples, sharp cheddar, and aromatic herbs for a cozy, comforting bowl of fall flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
3 tbsp butter
2 cups diced tart apple (about 2 apples)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced carrot
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp dry mustard powder
½ tsp chili powder
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup apple juice
1–1/2 cups shredded extra old cheddar cheese
Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Extra apple slices and cheddar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan or soup pot.
2. Add apples, onion and carrot; cook over medium-low heat for 7 to 8 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
3. Whisk together flour, dry mustard powder and chili powder. Slowly stir into vegetables.
4. Slowly add broth and apple juice and continue to stir until everything is well combined.
5. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, or until soup is thick and the apples and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
6. Slowly mix in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes.
8. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve with extra apple slices and cheddar for garnish, along with crackers or a fresh loaf of bread.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for best flavor balance.
Be sure to cool slightly before blending to avoid pressure build-up.
Pairs beautifully with a crusty sourdough or multigrain bread.
