Cheese Soup Companions: Delicious Pairing Ideas

There are many delicious foods that go well with cheese soup. For example, grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing, and you can even make grilled cheese croutons to go with your soup. If you're looking for something more indulgent, a gooey grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, date jam, and blue cheese would be a perfect match. For those who want a simpler option, a warm slice of buttered bread is a great accompaniment to any cheese soup.

Cheese soup recipes

Cheese soups are the ultimate comfort food, and there are so many different directions you can take with them. Here are some delicious cheese soup recipes to get you started:

Broccoli Cheese Soup

This creamy, cheesy soup is a classic for a reason. It's a perfect blend of broccoli and cheese, and you can even make your own homemade bread bowls to go with it. Here are the nutrition facts for a similar recipe: 1 cup (calculated without the bread bowl): 422 calories, 32g fat (19g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), and 17g protein.

French Onion Soup with Meatballs

This soup is a twist on the classic French onion soup, made even better with the addition of meatballs. It's a perfect comfort food for those cool fall days. Here are the nutrition facts for a similar recipe: 1-1/2 cups: 403 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1760mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), and 22g protein.

Cheesy Meatball Soup

This soup is a meal in itself, with meat, potatoes, and other vegetables. The cheese dip added to it makes it taste just like a cheeseburger. It's perfect for serving with a crusty loaf of French bread. Here are the nutrition facts for a similar recipe: 1-1/3 cups: 421 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 1959mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), and 26g protein.

Macaroni and Cheese Soup

This unique soup is a big hit and has been made at many different jobs in the food service industry. It's a one-of-a-kind recipe that's sure to please. Here are the nutrition facts for a similar recipe: 1 cup: 261 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), and 9g protein.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

This soup is an easy and wonderful addition to potlucks. It features the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu that you can eat with a spoon. Here are the nutrition facts for a similar recipe: 1-1/3 cups: 481 calories, 32g fat (16g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 1254mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), and 33g protein.

Beer Cheese Potato Soup

This satisfying potato soup has a velvety texture and a subtle blend of beer and cheese flavors. It's sure to warm you up on a cold day. Here are the nutrition facts for a similar recipe: 1 cup: 225 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), and 10g protein.

Golden Gouda Mushroom Soup

This rich, creamy, and cheesy soup is a fantastic first course for guests. It's sure to warm you from the inside out and stir your appetite for the main course. Here are the nutrition facts for a similar recipe: 1 cup: 412 calories, 33g fat (21g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), and 13g protein.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

While not a soup, a grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect pairing for any soup, especially a classic tomato soup. You can take it up a notch by making an "Ultimate Grilled Cheese" with cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, and seasoned salt on Italian bread.

Cheese types for soup

Cheese and soup are the ultimate comfort foods. While some cheeses are better suited to certain types of soup, there are endless combinations to try.

When choosing a cheese to add to your soup, it's important to consider the texture and melting factor. Dry-aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano, for example, don't melt particularly well and can become grainy. This can work, however, if you're going for a particular texture and know what to expect. If you're looking for a smooth, creamy texture, go for cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack, which melt beautifully and pair well with creamy, hearty, thick soups.

It's also important to add cheese at the right time. To avoid clumping, add cheese at the very end, with just residual heat, and whisk quickly to ensure it melts gradually.

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A classic combination that's hard to beat.
• Spinach Quiche Soup: Swiss and Gruyère complement each other and go well with spinach and onions.
• Cheesesteak Soup: American and provolone are a winning pair in this soup inspired by the Philly cheesesteak.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: Swiss cheese stuffed inside a chicken breast is a match made in heaven.
• Lasagna Soup: A dollop of ricotta, mozzarella, pecorino romano, and black pepper on top of this soup creates a beautiful bite.
• Reuben Soup: Inspired by French onion soup, this soup can be served with cheese on top of a slice of roll, broiled until melted.
• Bacon Beer Cheese Soup: Cheddar, beer, and smoky bacon come together in this comforting soup.
• Chicken Alfredo Soup: Creamy Parmesan-loaded tortellini in a chicken broth is a match made in heaven.
• French Onion Soup: This classic soup features a beautiful cheese crust.

Grilled cheese sandwiches to pair with soup

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food and a popular choice to pair with soup. Here are some ideas for grilled cheese sandwiches that will complement your cheese soup:

The Classic Grilled Cheese

For a traditional option, go with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich typically features sliced cheddar cheese between two slices of buttered white bread. You can use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of both, to suit your taste preferences. This sandwich pairs exceptionally well with tomato-based soups, such as a creamy tomato soup or a bowl of fresh tomato soup. It is a combination that is hard to beat and will leave you feeling satisfied.

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by experimenting with different types of bread and cheese. For the bread, you can use sourdough, brioche, or even ciabatta. As for the cheese, there are several options that pair well with cheese soup, including Gruyere, Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Havarti. Feel free to mix and match to find your favourite combination. This sandwich goes well with a variety of soups, including tomato soup, where you can use the sandwich as a 'dunker'.

Grilled Cheese with Apple and Red Onion

For a unique twist on the classic, try adding some crisp apple slices and red onion to your grilled cheese sandwich. This combination works well with aged cheddar cheese, creating a delicious and irresistible flavour profile. The sweetness of the apple and the tanginess of the red onion complement each other perfectly. This sandwich is a great pairing for a hearty vegetable soup, such as asparagus soup or quinoa soup.

French Onion Grilled Cheese

If you're a fan of French onion soup, this grilled cheese variation is perfect for you. It captures the flavours of the classic soup in sandwich form. This luxurious grilled cheese is an excellent option when you don't have the time to prepare French onion soup. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a light and creamy soup, such as a carrot and fennel soup.

Grilled Cheese Croutons

Take your grilled cheese game to the next level by turning it into croutons! These grilled cheese croutons can be added as a topping to your soup, adding a crunchy and delicious element. This technique works especially well with tomato soup, creating a match made in heaven for those chilly days.

So, there you have it! These grilled cheese sandwich variations will surely elevate your soup-and-sandwich experience. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food pairing.

Breads to serve with cheese soup

Soup and bread is a classic combination, and there are many types of bread that can complement a cheese soup. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Sourdough

A versatile loaf, sourdough is a great choice for a dense and hearty bread to accompany a creamy cheese soup. Its tangy flavour and chewy texture can add interest and substance to your meal. Try pairing it with a broccoli cheese soup or a clam chowder.

Cornbread

Cornbread is an excellent option for a sweet and savoury complement to your cheese soup. Its crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavour go well with chilli and vegetarian bean-based soups. Cornbread can also add a nice crunch when used for dipping or soaking up the last drops of soup.

Biscuits

Biscuits are a must-have for chicken stews. Flaky and buttery, they can add a delicious texture to your meal. Try them with a chicken and sausage gumbo or another hearty chicken stew.

Bread Bowls

For an indulgent and unique presentation, consider serving your cheese soup in a bread bowl. Hollow out a round loaf of bread, fill it with soup, and top with shredded cheese or freshly cracked pepper. This is a great option for a broccoli cheese soup, creating a filling and comforting meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Take your meal to the next level by dipping a grilled cheese sandwich into your cheese soup. The toasted bread and melted cheese create a delicious combination that's perfect for a creamy tomato soup. You can also experiment with different types of bread and cheese for a unique flavour profile.

When choosing bread to serve with cheese soup, consider the density and flavour of the bread, as well as the type of soup you are serving. Heartier, denser breads tend to go better with creamy soups, while lighter, airier breads are better suited for brothy soups. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

How to prevent cheese from clumping in soup

Cheese soup is a delicious and comforting meal, but it can be tricky to get right. One of the most common issues is cheese clumping in the soup, which affects the texture and mouthfeel of the dish. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Choosing the right cheese

The type of cheese you use is critical. Very dry, aged cheeses like Parmesan have low moisture content and do not melt well, resulting in clumps. Instead, opt for cheeses with higher moisture content and a lower melting point, such as medium to sharp cheddar, fontina, Gruyere, or Swiss. These cheeses melt smoothly and blend seamlessly into your soup.

Grating and mixing the cheese

Fresh cheese is best, as pre-shredded cheese often contains stabilizers that can hinder melting. Grate the cheese yourself, and toss it with a small amount of cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon per pound of cheese). This will help the cheese bind to the liquid in the soup without altering the flavour.

Adding cheese to the soup

Adding cheese gradually and at the right temperature is essential. Bring your soup to a low simmer, and add a small handful of cheese at a time. Whisk or stir continuously until each handful of cheese is fully melted and incorporated before adding more. Adding too much cheese at once can overwhelm the soup and lead to clumping.

Temperature control

High temperatures can cause the protein bonds in the cheese to break down, allowing too much moisture to escape. Keep the heat low, and only add the cheese when the soup is at a residual heat level. This means turning off the heat or reducing it to the lowest setting just before adding the cheese.

Using acid or alcohol

Acid or alcohol can help break down the cheese proteins, improving the melting process. A small amount of wine or beer can be added gradually while stirring. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, a few drops of lemon juice will have a similar effect.

Freezing and reheating

If you plan to freeze your cheese soup, do so without the dairy component. When reheating, thaw the soup in the refrigerator or over low heat, and then add fresh cream or milk. Avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy, as this can cause clumping or grittiness.

Frequently asked questions