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    Home » Recipes » Soup Recipes, Stews, and Chili

    Cheese Soup

    Published: February 3, 2022 | Last Updated: April 26, 2024 | Lisa 9 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Jump to Recipe
    Easy classic Famous Cheese Soup is so creamy, has simple ingredients, and extraordinary deep rich flavors. Serve hot with Parmesan Croutons!

    topping ideas for cheese soup

    • Cheese Croutons
    • popcorn
    • grate extra cheese
    • crusty bread
    • soup crackers
    • bacon crumbles
    • Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
    • breadsticks (grissini)
    • serve in a bread bowl
    • toasted baguettes and Herb Butter
    • hot sauce
    • small pieces of fresh broccoli

    sharp cheddar cheese

    Finely grate to melt properly for the soup, pre-shredded cheese has an anticaking agent and doesn't melt as well as freshly grated cheddar cheese. 
    This recipe is inspired by the Driskill Hotel, Austin, Texas. Driskill Hotel Recipe was adapted from the original recipe in "Helen Corbitt's Cookbook” (Hougton Mifflin, 1957).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1806mg | Potassium: 455mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4225IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 564mg | Iron: 0.9mg
    Tried this recipe?Let's see it on Instagram! Follow us @Delicious.Table and tag us on your recipe photo with #delicioustable
    Need ingredients or equipment to make this recipe? Shop Now Every cooking product recommended I own, use, and love how they perform in my kitchen. Happy Cooking! Lisa
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Delicious Table earns advertising fees from qualified purchases linking to Amazon.com

    Last Updated April 26th, 2024 at 11:11 am by Lisa

    A classic famous Cheese Soup with simple ingredients and extraordinarily deep rich flavors. An easy recipe and one of my favorite things to serve on chilly nights when it's soup time.

    Put out lots of toppings like croutons, extra cheese, or crumbled bacon. Serve it hot with homemade Croutons for a hearty and amazing lunch or dinner.

    One of the good things is you can whip up this in just 45 minutes for ultimate comfort food in a bowl and love at first spoonful...

    Pin

    How To Make Cheese Soup

    A creamy soup from not one but two kinds of melted cheese. The first time I tasted this recipe was with an entire group of food bloggers. We all wanted the recipe, it was love at first sip. The whole family will love the cheesy flavor, you could serve it in bread bowls to make it extra special.

    • ¼ cup butter
    • 1 cup diced yellow onion
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
    • ½ cup diced carrot
    • 1 cup diced celery (6 small ribs)
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock 32 oz. box or a quart
    • 1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
    • 1 pound cubed Velveeta
    • 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (grate it, don't use pre-grated or it won't melt well!)
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
    • ¼ paprika

    Let's Make This Soup!

    1. Dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Grate the cheddar cheese, and cube the Velvetta.
    2. In a heavy large dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat, melt butter, salt, and pepper. Saute onions, carrots and celery until tender 5 minutes . Stir in flour and cornstarch, cook another 3 minutes.
    3. Add chicken stock bone broth (or chicken broth) and heavy whipping cream gradually, blending until smooth about 3-5 minutes.
    4. Turn heat down to medium-low, don’t allow soup to boil at any point.
    5. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and grated cheddar cheese, stir until melted, about 5 minutes.
    6. Add parsley, cayenne, and paprika.
    7. Using an immersion blender (stick blender), mix the soup until smooth and creamy. Or blend in a blender in small batches, and be careful it's hot!
    8. Simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes until it thickens.
    9. Serve in bowls or mugs with bread or croutons.
    10. Cool this delicious soup leftovers, and keep in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

    PRO TIP: You can easily turn any leftover soup into a Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe the next day by adding small handfuls of cut broccoli florets and broccoli stems. Blend a few in with your stick blender and reheat on the stove and dinner is ready for a busy weeknight!

    Pin

    Cheddar Cheese Soup Serving Ideas

    Make it soup time for lunch or main dish for dinner, and a great way is to have lots of toppings...

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    • Cheese Croutons
    • popcorn
    • grate extra cheese
    • crusty bread
    • soup crackers
    • bacon crumbles
    • Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
    • breadsticks (grissini)
    • serve in a bread bowl
    • toasted baguettes and Herb Butter
    • hot sauce
    • small pieces of fresh broccoli

    Beer Cheese Soup Recipe: To make this a beer cheese soup, swap in 2 cups of a good beer you would drink in place of the chicken stock and a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce. Top with crumbled bacon and green onions.

    Crouton Baguette Shards are amazing floating on this cheesy soup. These are long slices of a crusty baguette, coated with melted butter, parmesan cheese, and seasoning like garlic powder. They are toasted in the oven and are divine with salads and soup.

    Croutons ~ Plus Leftover Baguette Recipes
    Serve with hot soup, chilled salad, as a snack, or on a cheese board, these croutons are made in minutes with baguette, butter, spices and parmesan cheese.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    Cheese topped croutons on a parchment lined baking sheet.Pin
    Pin

    The Story Of This Cheese Soup Recipe

    While on a culinary tour at a food conference, a large group of fun and friendly food bloggers and writers had lunch at The Driskill Hotel (Austin, Texas) in the 1886 Cafe and Bakery, inside The Driskill Hotel.

    The Cheese Soup came highly recommended,  so several of us ordered a bowl along with salads and sandwiches. Next time you are in Austin, you have to try this great recipe, if it's the only thing you do at The Driskell.

    It really was love at first sip, and we all just couldn't believe how good it tasted. The creamy texture has a slight kick of heat from the cayenne and all the melted cheese makes an incredibly rich soup. We all kinda giggled when we learned it has Velveeta, but that is the secret why it is so creamy and thick.

    Of course, I jokingly, yet boldly asked our waitress for the recipe. The giggles and laughter bounced down the table, and then our waitress said, "Of course, we can share the cheese soup recipe with you!" We all looked at one another in pure delight.

    Once we received our copies, we again giggled that it had VELVEETA in it, but you know what? It is sooooo creamy and delicious!

    Pin

    Who is Helen Corbitt?

    But that isn't the whole story, when I got home, I did some more research and learned that the original Cheese Soup recipe at the Driskell Hotel comes from Helen Corbitt.

    Pin

    Well, Helen Corbitt served as the Culinary Director of the Driskill Hotel in the late 1950s and later as the Head of Culinary Operations at Neiman Marcus.

    She is an American chef, cookbook author, and award-winning pioneer of classic Texan Cuisine and is known as the "Julia Child" of Texas.

    For over 40 years, Helen shared her gourmet cuisine in Texas finding new and unusual flavor combinations, and ingredients.

    How Did Helen Corbitt Impact Texas Cuisine?

    An early advocate of using the finest, freshest ingredients and in the years b.c. (before Corbitt), Texans had no artichokes, no fresh raspberries, no herbs except decorative parsley, only beef (chicken-fried, barbecued, or well-done), potatoes (fried or mashed and topped with cream gravy), and wedges of Iceberg with sweet orange dressing.

    President and Lady Bird Johnson were served at The Driskill Hotel, and adored Helen's cuisine, and took her recipes all the way to the White House. Today, Helen Corbitt’s Cheese Soup recipe is still on the 1886 Cafe and Bakery Menu for $4 per cup or $6 a bowl.

    Helen Corbitt's CookbookPin

    In her cookbook titled,  Helen Corbitt's Cookbook, Helen states,

    "By far the most asked-for soup everywhere I have traveled is my Canadian Cheese Soup. My men, customers are mad about it. Where it comes from I do not know; it has been a part of my life so long it could have come with the stork."

    The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas,  was built in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron Jesse Driskill.  Today, the hotel remains a legendary landmark in Texas hospitality offering its guests an elite level of luxury accommodations and services for more than a century.

    More Easy Soup Recipes

    Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is so easy to put together, a hearty soup dinner recipe, and one will become a family favorite. Loaded with juicy shredded chicken, vegetables, and gnocchi which are soft puffy "Italian dumplings".

    Learn how to make Chicken Stock (aka bone broth) step by step with cooking tips on how to store and freeze it plus 15 delicious recipe ideas. Save money and have it ready to elevate your cooking for dinner, soups, and stews.

    The classic flavors from simple ingredients make this the Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. It is comfort food in a bowl and a great way to use up leftover chicken. 

    • A white bowl full of Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a silver spoon and bread nearby.
      Chicken Gnocchi Soup
    • 3 small Mason jars filled with chicken stock and black heart shaped labels.
      Chicken Stock (Bone Broth)
    • A blue bowl filled with homemade chicken noodle soup.
      Chicken Noodle Soup

    Tomato Soup with Basil Dumplings can be rich and chunky or creamy smooth and is loaded with a veggie rainbow for a hearty lunch or dinner.

    Creamy Jalapeño Popper Soup tastes just like the cheesy jalapeño poppers we love. The spicy heat of the peppers is mild as this original recipe uses canned jalapenos and green chiles for just the right kick and level of heat.

    Every spoonful of this Cajun Sausage And Potato Soup comforting and zesty. This spicy, cozy dinner has hearty chunks of vegetables and slices of andouille sausage. And takes just 20 minutes of prep time.

    • A bowl of tomato soup and cup of soup in a white cup garnished with fresh basil.
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    CRAVING MORE?

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    White bowl filled with cheese soup and a homemade crouton on top.Pin
    Print Pin Recipe

    Cheese Soup Recipe

    An easy classic famous Cheese Soup Recipe that is so creamy, has simple ingredients, and extraordinarily deep rich flavors. Serve with croutons. Serve with crispy croutons. Famously served at The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas in the 1886 Bakery and Cafe.
    Prep Time 25 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 479kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Cast Iron Dutch Oven
    Spoon Spatula
    Box Grater
    Immersion Blender

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup butter
    • 1 cup diced yellow onion
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon white pepper (or swap black pepper)
    • ½ cup diced carrot
    • 1 cup diced celery (6 small ribs)
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 4 cups chicken stock bone broth 32 oz. box or a quart
    • 1 cup heavy cream whipping cream
    • 1 pound cubed Velveeta
    • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (grate it, don't use pre-grated or it won't melt well!)
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
    • ¼ paprika
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    Instructions

    • Dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Grate the cheddar cheese, and cube the Velvetta.
    • In a heavy large dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat, melt butter, salt, and pepper. Saute onions, carrots and celery until tender 5 minutes.
    • Stir in flour and cornstarch, cook another 3 minutes. Add chicken stock bone broth (or chicken broth) and heavy whipping cream gradually, blending until smooth about 3-5 minutes.
    • Turn heat down to medium-low, don’t allow soup to boil at any point. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and grated cheddar cheese, stir until melted, about 5 minutes. Add parsley, cayenne, and paprika.
    • Using an immersion blender (stick blender), mix the soup until smooth and creamy. Or blend in a blender in small batches, and be careful it's hot!
    • Simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes until it thickens. Serve in bowls or mugs with bread or croutons. Cool these delicious soup leftovers, and keep in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to reheat.

    Notes

    topping ideas for cheese soup

    • Cheese Croutons
    • popcorn
    • grate extra cheese
    • crusty bread
    • soup crackers
    • bacon crumbles
    • Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
    • breadsticks (grissini)
    • serve in a bread bowl
    • toasted baguettes and Herb Butter
    • hot sauce
    • small pieces of fresh broccoli

    sharp cheddar cheese

    Finely grate to melt properly for the soup, pre-shredded cheese has an anticaking agent and doesn't melt as well as freshly grated cheddar cheese. 
    This recipe is inspired by the Driskill Hotel, Austin, Texas. Driskill Hotel Recipe was adapted from the original recipe in "Helen Corbitt's Cookbook” (Hougton Mifflin, 1957).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1806mg | Potassium: 455mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4225IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 564mg | Iron: 0.9mg
    Tried this recipe?Let's see it on Instagram! Follow us @Delicious.Table and tag us on your recipe photo with #delicioustable
    Need ingredients or equipment to make this recipe? Shop Now Every cooking product recommended I own, use, and love how they perform in my kitchen. Happy Cooking! Lisa
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Delicious Table earns advertising fees from qualified purchases linking to Amazon.com

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jill says

      December 21, 2023 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      This soup is so good. I followed the recipe. I would put a little less Cayenne pepper in, but still great with some zing!

      Reply
    2. Cindy Morris says

      December 20, 2023 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      I made your cheese soup the other night and was heavenly. Perfect for a rainy holiday night.

      Reply
    3. Debbie says

      February 26, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love this recipe! I made it today on a cold, wintry day here in Texas. It hit the spot. It's one of the best cheese soups I've ever eaten. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        February 26, 2022 at 1:55 pm

        So glad you loved it Debbie. We love it too, and it freezes really well. Stay warm and cozy in Texas!!!

        Reply
    4. Alice Patton says

      May 26, 2021 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      I can't thank you enough for this recipe. it's all I can eat. My esophagus is inflamed and I can't swallow food. I've lost 10 pounds while they figure it out, so I just keep making cheese soup. It's something I can eat that is soooo good. I think this is like 5 batches - 2 of them a double!! You're right, no reason to freeze - it doesn't last that long! Thanks again!

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        May 26, 2021 at 11:30 pm

        Oh my goodness Alice, I sure hope you feel better soon! Isn't this soup yummy? We all had a ball getting the recipe and going home and trying it out. Wishing you all the very best, blessings to you and your health.

        Reply
    5. Alice Patton says

      May 08, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      This is sooooo good!!!! I have always wanted to try making cheese soup - I finally tried your recipe and I find it quite delicious! Definitely "Restaurant Quality" I promise you won't be disappointed. Now I am wondering if you could freeze it!

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        May 08, 2021 at 8:17 pm

        Hey Alice, isn't it GOOD? So fun when I got this recipe. Do you know what I have never frozen it? We always eat it all. I think it will do ok, if I do I will send a note over to you. Thrilled you loved it and left a 5-star rating, thank you!!

        Reply
    6. Chelle says

      March 10, 2018 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      Cheeeeeese sooooup cooooma heaven! Love recipes from Texas, they are just sinful! This one delivers on that 100% - don't hold back!

      Reply

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