If you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, this Spinach Cheddar Soup is just what you need! Imagine the rich, creamy texture of cheddar cheese paired with the vibrant green goodness of spinach—it’s a match made in soup heaven. This dish is the perfect way to get your veggies in while indulging in something hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spinach Cheddar Soup has everything you could ask for in a bowl of comfort. The creamy, cheesy base is balanced perfectly with the fresh, slightly earthy taste of spinach. It’s so easy to make and ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and filling. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens for the whole family!
Ingredients (Find the full list below)
- Fresh spinach (baby spinach works best)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- Flour (for thickening)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
You can find the full ingredient list further down, but this is the main outline of what you’ll need.
Directions
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbly, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
2. Create the Roux
Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine with the butter and onions. This will help thicken the soup later. Continue to cook the flour mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to cook off the raw flour taste but don’t let it brown too much.
3. Add the Broth and Milk
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the milk (or heavy cream if you want a richer soup). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken up slightly.
4. Add the Spinach
Now it’s time to add the star of the show—spinach! Add the spinach to the pot, stirring as you go. It will wilt down significantly, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first. Continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and incorporated into the soup.
5. Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and begin adding the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time. Stir until the cheese melts into the soup and becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper if you like a little extra warmth.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is creamy and all the flavors have melded together, it’s ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cheese Choice: While sharp cheddar gives the soup a nice tangy flavor, you can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a twist.
- For a Thicker Soup: If you want a thicker soup, add a little more flour or simmer the soup for a few extra minutes to let it reduce.
- Add a Protein: If you’re looking to add some protein to the soup, consider stirring in cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even some crispy croutons for extra texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup entirely vegetarian.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your soup a little extra heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Spinach Cheddar Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy, toasted bread or a light salad. You could also serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic, comforting combination. For a more filling meal, try pairing it with some roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a little extra milk or broth to get it back to the right consistency.
4 FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This soup contains flour for thickening, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch if needed.
Can I freeze this soup?
While you can freeze the soup, the texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating, especially with the cheese and cream. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat gently when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Spinach Cheddar Soup is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. The combination of creamy cheese, vibrant spinach, and rich seasonings makes every spoonful a comforting delight. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for cozy evenings, and will leave you craving more. Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or as a starter for a bigger meal, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot!
Print
Spinach Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Healthy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
A creamy, comforting soup made with fresh spinach and rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy evenings, this dish is a healthy, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach (baby spinach works best): 4 cups (packed)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): 2 cups
- Onion (diced): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Flour (for thickening): 2 tablespoons
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Milk or heavy cream: 1 cup
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Optional seasonings: Pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
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Create the Roux: Add flour and stir to combine with butter and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken, but avoid browning the flour.
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Add the Broth and Milk: Slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth and then add milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup). Bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting it thicken.
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Add the Spinach: Stir in the spinach, cooking for 3-4 minutes until it wilts and is fully incorporated.
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Stir in the Cheddar Cheese: Reduce heat to low, and gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar or fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar is ideal, but feel free to mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Thicker Soup: Add a bit more flour or let the soup simmer longer to reach the desired thickness.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, bacon bits, or croutons for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg