Comforting and Creamy Apple Cheese Soup for Chilly Evenings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Cheese Soup is the ultimate cozy dish, combining the sweetness of apples with the richness of creamy white cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. This one-pot recipe is simple, yet it delivers comforting fall flavors perfect for chilly evenings. With its velvety texture and smooth, cheesy finish, it’s a great option for a hearty meal, served on its own or alongside a fresh loaf of bread. You can even make it vegetarian by swapping out a few ingredients. It’s a warm hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 tablespoons salted butter
½ red onion, finely chopped (about 1 c up)
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1¼ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Fresh cracked salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Sauté the Onion: Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add chopped red onion and sauté for 10 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add the Apples: Stir in diced apples and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the apples to soften.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a thick paste. Cook for 5 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add the Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add shredded white cheddar and Gruyère, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your choice of garnish and optional herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Cheese Variations: Try swapping out the Gruyère for another melty cheese, like fontina or mozzarella.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary while simmering for extra depth of flavor.
Fruit Additions: A dash of pear or ginger can be added for an exciting twist on the apple flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese to ensure the soup is smooth and creamy. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture of the soup.

2. What type of apples should I use?

Sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best for balancing the flavors of the soup. Avoid tart apples, as they could make the soup too sour.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors will even improve as it sits! Just reheat gently on the stovetop.

4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk and cheese with plant-based options like almond milk and dairy-free cheese. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

5. How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?

Make sure the soup doesn’t boil once the cheese and milk are added. Stir constantly and keep the heat low to avoid curdling.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra texture and flavor. Just add them in with the apples to soften them as the soup simmers.

7. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you can make it in a slow cooker by sautéing the onion and apples beforehand and then adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours.

8. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a little heat.

9. Can I use another type of broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter or vegetarian version of this soup.

10. How do I prevent the soup from thickening too much?

If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk or broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Apple Cheese Soup is a perfect fall recipe, bringing together the sweetness of apples and the creamy richness of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. With its velvety texture and comforting warmth, it’s an ideal soup for chilly evenings. Whether served with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this soup will become a family favorite in no time!