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Creamy Tomato Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.3 from 2 reviews

This creamy tomato cheddar soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a rich blend of tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of cream. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines savory sautéed onions and garlic with fresh thyme and spices, simmered to enhance the flavors before being pureed into a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

Finishing Ingredients

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and warm it through. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste to the pot. Then add the whole peeled tomatoes with their liquid, chicken broth, fresh thyme sprigs, granulated sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to develop flavor.
  3. Cool and Puree: Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Discard the thyme sprigs. Once the soup is cool enough to handle safely, transfer it to a blender in batches and puree until smooth and creamy.
  4. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Return the pureed soup to the pot and slowly whisk in the heavy cream followed by the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts and blends smoothly into the soup.
  5. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately while hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
  • If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
  • Use an immersion blender as a convenient alternative to a traditional blender for pureeing the soup directly in the pot.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme, croutons, or extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop.