Super Tasty Canadian Cheese Soup Recipe
When the weather turns cold, few things hit the spot quite like a bowl of homemade Canadian cheese soup.
It’s especially popular in places like Ontario and Quebec, where you’ll find it everywhere from cozy family kitchens to small-town diners and community gatherings.
This recipe is all about comfort. It’s rich, creamy, packed with sharp cheddar flavor, and comes together in about 30 minutes using ingredients you probably already have at home.
No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment, and no worrying about lumpy or grainy cheese. Just a warm, satisfying bowl of Canadian cheese soup that’s hard to stop eating.
Ingredients:
Serves 4 to 6
3 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch for a gluten free version)
3 cups milk, warmed
1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
2½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon dry mustard or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
Crispy ham pieces
Chopped chives
Thin apple slices
For the smoothest Canadian cheese soup, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect how it melts.
Warming the milk before adding it to the pot also helps keep the Canadian cheese soup silky smooth.
And if you shred the cheese finely, it will melt much faster and more evenly.
How to Make Canadian Cheese Soup
1. Start with the Base
Place a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want it lightly golden and smooth, but not browned.
2. Add the Milk and Broth
Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Add the broth and continue whisking until everything is smooth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly.
3. Add the Cheese
Turn the heat down to low.
Add the shredded cheddar, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the soup becomes creamy and velvety.
A quick note: don’t let the soup boil once the cheese is added. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Canadian cheese soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
A sprinkle of chives, a few pieces of crispy ham, or even some fresh apple slices can add a nice finishing touch.
Canadian cheese soup pairs beautifully with:
Crusty bread or a warm baguette
Garlic toast
Soft pretzels
A simple green salad
Roasted carrots
For a classic Canadian-inspired touch, serve it alongside sliced apples or maple-glazed carrots.
As for drinks, hot tea, coffee, or a mug of warm apple cider all work wonderfully.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat and stir often. Cheese soups don’t always reheat well in the microwave and can sometimes separate.
Freezing isn’t recommended because dairy-based soups tend to become grainy once thawed.
If you’re planning ahead, you can shred the cheese and measure out the ingredients earlier in the day to make dinner even quicker later on.
Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this Canadian Cheese Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again every time the temperature drops. It is simple food at its best.
