Kamil Perry
There are many variations of cheese soup, and most of them can be made gluten-free. For example, broccoli cheese soup, potato cheese soup, and cheddar cheese soup can all be made gluten-free. The key to making a cheese soup gluten-free is to use gluten-free thickening agents such as cornstarch, arrowroot, potato starch, or rice flour instead of wheat flour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Soup |
| Main Ingredients | Broccoli, Cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Onion, Flour, Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic), Broth, Carrots, Cream Cheese, Bacon, Potato |
| Dietary Options | Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan |
| Preparation Time | 30 Minutes |
| Texture | Thick, Creamy |
| Taste | Cheesy, Flavorful, Comforting |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten-free broccoli cheese soup recipes
A warm bowl of soup is a great comfort food, especially during the colder months. Here are some gluten-free broccoli cheese soup recipes that you can make at home.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Onion
- Gluten-free flour (for thickening)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Broth
- Half and half
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cheese
- Hot sauce
Method
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Sprinkle in gluten-free flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the flour is slightly browned and the mixture is golden.
- Pour in the broth and half and half, stirring to combine.
- Add broccoli and carrots. Cook for 6-8 minutes until tender and thick.
- Mix in cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted before adding more.
- Finish with hot sauce and garnish with pepper and cheese, if desired.
Variations
You can add potatoes, cauliflower, or cream cheese to your soup for extra creaminess and flavour. To make a simple gluten-free roux, use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you prefer your soup base to be thicker, you can use a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot or potato starch.
Tips
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which may have anti-caking agents that affect the texture of the soup.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Serve with gluten-free bread or a simple side salad.
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Gluten-free thickening agents
Many gluten-free soups, such as broccoli cheese soup, use gluten-free flour blends as thickening agents. These blends are usually a combination of several gluten-free flours, such as soy, garbanzo, almond, and coconut, rather than a single type. Some gluten-free flour blends also contain xanthan gum, a binding agent that substitutes for the gluten in wheat flour. However, not all blends contain xanthan gum, so it may need to be added separately when baking.
When thickening soups, there are several gluten-free options to choose from. For a non-dairy soup, arrowroot starch can be used, while cornstarch is a good alternative for dairy-based soups. Cornstarch is a common gluten-free thickening agent and can be used in soups, sauces, and stir-fry sauces. It should be mixed with cool water first before adding it to the soup. Other options for thickening soups include potato starch, sweet rice flour, and tapioca starch.
Guar gum is another gluten-free thickening agent with incredible water-absorbing properties. It is about eight times stronger than cornstarch as a thickener and needs to be mixed with water before use. However, it can be challenging to find and is typically more expensive. Agar powder is another option, but it is generally recommended for making gelatin or gel-based foods rather than soups or sauces.
When making gluten-free cheese soup, it is important to note that pre-shredded cheese is usually coated in anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the soup. Freshly grated cheese melts better, resulting in a smoother texture. Additionally, some gluten-free cheese soups use potatoes as a thickening agent, adding them to the soup along with the onions before adding the remaining ingredients.
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Gluten-free toppings
While cheese soup on its own is gluten-free, you may want to add toppings to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Here are some gluten-free toppings that you can consider:
- Bacon: A classic topping, bacon adds a salty, smoky flavour to the soup. You can cook and crumble it over the soup, or mix it right into the soup for a heartier texture.
- Ham: For a similar savoury flavour profile, ham is a great alternative to bacon. It pairs especially well with potato-based soups.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding herbs like rosemary, dill, or thyme can brighten up the flavour of the soup and provide a contrasting texture.
- Popcorn: For a unique texture contrast, popcorn can be a fun and unexpected topping for soup. It adds a crunchy element to the creamy soup.
- Olive Oil: Drizzling high-quality olive oil over your soup can help bring out the flavours and give it a glossy finish.
- Gluten-Free Bread: For a heartier meal, serve your cheese soup with gluten-free bread on the side. You can also make grilled cheese sandwiches with gluten-free bread to dip into the soup.
- Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic soup companion and can be made gluten-free. It provides a sweet and savoury crunch to your meal.
- Gluten-Free Noodles: For a more filling option, gluten-free noodles can be added to the soup. They provide a chewy texture and help make the dish more satisfying.
Remember to check the labels of any packaged foods to ensure they are certified gluten-free and avoid cross-contamination. With these toppings, you can not only make your cheese soup gluten-free but also delicious and visually appealing!
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Gluten-free substitutes for cheese soup
Many commercially available cheese soups, such as those offered by Panera, Campbell's, Trader Joe's, and Costco, contain gluten. However, there are several gluten-free substitutes for cheese soup that you can make at home. Here are some options:
Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Soup
This soup is a great option for a busy weeknight as it comes together quickly and with only a few ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, carrots, onions, and a mix of cheeses. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or rice flour to make a roux. You can also add potatoes or cauliflower to the soup for extra heartiness.
Gluten-Free Cheesy Baked Potato Soup
This soup brings all the flavors of a twice-baked potato in a creamy, gluten-free form. It typically includes potatoes, gluten-free chicken broth, bacon or ham, and cheese. Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free thickener instead of flour.
Vegan Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Soup
This soup is a dairy-free and vegan option that can be used as a 1:1 substitute for traditional condensed cheddar soups. It includes ingredients like dry red lentils, raw cashews, nutritional yeast, miso paste, vegan cheese, and mustard.
Homemade Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
If you're looking for a condensed cheddar cheese soup to use in casseroles or other dishes, you can make your own gluten-free version at home. This typically involves making a roux with butter, flour, and milk, and then adding shredded cheddar cheese and salt to taste.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on creating delicious and gluten-free cheese soup options. With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of soup that fits your dietary needs.
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Gluten-free dairy-free options
Adopting a gluten-free and dairy-free diet can be challenging, but there are plenty of delicious options to explore. Here are some tips and suggestions for gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives:
Understanding Gluten and Dairy-Free Diets:
The first step is to understand which foods contain gluten and dairy. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley, while dairy refers to products derived from animal milk. A gluten-free and dairy-free diet involves eliminating these ingredients and their derivatives from your meals.
Whole Foods and Natural Ingredients:
The majority of whole foods are naturally gluten and dairy-free. Focus on incorporating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and non-wheat grains into your diet. These provide essential nutrients and can be combined in various ways to create tasty meals.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternatives:
There are now numerous gluten-free alternatives available in most grocery stores. These include gluten-free breads, pastas, cereals, and baked goods. Additionally, dairy-free milk alternatives, such as nut milks, coconut milk, and oat milk, are widely available. These can be used in coffee, cereal, and recipes that call for milk.
Protein Sources:
When it comes to protein, beans, legumes, tofu, tempeh, and plant-based meat alternatives are excellent choices. They are naturally gluten and dairy-free while providing essential amino acids and keeping you feeling full. Meat can also be a part of a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, but ensure it is not breaded or marinated in dairy-containing sauces.
Gluten-Free Cheese Soup:
For a comforting and indulgent option, gluten-free cheese soup is a possibility. Several recipes are available for gluten-free broccoli cheese soup, which is a creamy and flavorful option for those seeking a warm and satisfying meal. These recipes typically use gluten-free flour and fresh, grated cheese to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
Additional Tips:
- Always read labels to ensure products are gluten and dairy-free.
- Experiment with different recipes to find the ones you enjoy most.
- Be cautious of cross-contamination in shared kitchen spaces.
- Connect with others following a gluten-free and dairy-free diet for support and ideas.
Transitioning to a gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle can be a journey, but with increased awareness and a growing number of alternatives, it is becoming more manageable and enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese soup can be gluten-free. There are many gluten-free cheese soup recipes available, including broccoli cheese soup, cheesy baked potato soup, and creamy turkey chowder.
Cornstarch, arrowroot, potato starch, and sweet rice flour are all gluten-free options that can be used to thicken soups.
You can add gluten-free crackers, croutons, crispy chickpeas, sour cream, or extra cheese as toppings to your cheese soup.
Yes, there are some store-bought options available, but many popular options such as Panera, Campbell's, Trader Joe's, and Costco contain gluten. Be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing.
Yes, you can make a vegan and gluten-free cheese soup by using vegan butter or olive oil, vegan cheddar, and a dairy-free cream alternative.
