Apple Cheese Soup

Creamy and comforting, Apple Cheese Soup blends the sweetness of apples with savory cheese in a velvety broth. It’s a unique twist on classic cheese soup—perfect for cozy dinners or elegant starters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet-savory harmony – the apple’s natural sweetness balances rich cheese

• Velvety texture – smooth, creamy, and warming

• Simple to make – one-pot convenience with easy steps

• Versatile serving – enjoy as a starter, main dish, or alongside crusty bread

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 Tbsp butter or olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based like oat or almond)

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: chopped chives, extra cheese, or apple slices

directions

1. Sauté aromatics
   In a medium pot, melt butter or warm oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.

2. Cook apples & thicken
   Add diced apples and thyme; sauté for 3–4 minutes until apples begin to soften. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir to coat, and cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

3. Add liquids
   Pour in broth gradually, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10 minutes, or until apples are tender.

4. Blend (optional)
   For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully purée the mixture. Leaving some apple chunks adds texture.

5. Finish with cheese and milk
   Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, then gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve
   Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chives, cheese, or a thin apple slice. Serve warm—with crusty bread or crackers if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

• Spice hint: Stir in ¼ tsp ground nutmeg or a dash of cayenne

• Cheese swap: Use Gruyère, smoked cheddar, or Gouda instead of sharp cheddar

• Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and oil instead of butter

• Creamier version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream at the end

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge

• Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation

FAQs

Can I blend the soup completely or leave it chunky?

Yes—blend fully for smooth texture, or leave chunks for more bite.

What’s the best apple to use?

Choose a firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith, or a sweet-tart Honeycrisp for balance.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely—almond, oat, or cashew milk work well; use plant-based cheese for a vegan version.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Stir cheese in gradually on low heat, and remove from direct heat once melted to avoid graininess.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written—use gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry instead of all-purpose flour.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—add diced carrots or celery with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.

How thick should the soup be?

It should coat the back of a spoon; add more broth or milk if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.

Does the soup separate when reheated?

Stir well while reheating. If separation occurs, whisk in a splash of milk or cream.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes—make the soup, cool completely, then refrigerate. Reheat just before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

What toppings work best?

Try chopped chives, extra shredded cheese, crispy croutons, or thin apple slices for texture and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Apple Cheese Soup is a comforting yet refined dish that blends creamy cheese with the bright sweetness of apples. Easy to prepare, versatile, and suitable for all seasons, it’s a delightful way to elevate a classic cheese soup. Enjoy it as a starter, a hearty lunch, or a cozy dinner option.