Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Oven-safe soup bowls or ramekins
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk.
5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Stir in the chopped bacon and green onions.
9. Divide the soup among 4-6 oven-safe soup bowls or ramekins.
10. Place the bowls or ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the soup is hot and bubbly.
11. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 440
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 98mg
Sodium: 1283mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use any other type of cheese that melts well, such as Gouda or Swiss.
- Instead of bacon, you can use ham or cooked sausage.
- Instead of green onions, you can use chopped chives or parsley.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or cooked rice to the soup for a heartier meal.
- Use different types of cheese for a different flavor, such as blue cheese or feta.
- Add diced vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to the soup for extra nutrition.
- Use different types of meat, such as cooked chicken or turkey, instead of bacon.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the flour and butter mixture constantly to prevent lumps.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth to thin it out.
- Garnish the soup with additional chopped bacon and green onions before serving.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in colorful soup bowls or ramekins for an attractive presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the soup with additional chopped bacon and green onions.
Pairings:
Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the soup with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Cheese soup has been a popular dish in the United States since the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
This soup is rich and creamy with a savory, cheesy flavor and a hint of smokiness from the bacon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A