Ham & Cheddar Soup

Description:

This Ham & Cheddar Soup is creamy, hearty, and filled with chunks of savory ham and rich cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days, combining the flavors of smoky ham and sharp cheddar in a velvety broth. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Add the Ham:

• Stir in the diced ham and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to heat through and slightly brown.

3. Add the Broth and Cream:

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream, stirring well to combine.

4. Incorporate the Cheese:

• Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, stirring constantly until both cheeses are fully melted and the soup is smooth. Be sure to stir over low heat to prevent the cheese from clumping.

5. Season the Soup:

• Stir in the ground black pepper, mustard powder, and smoked paprika. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and seasonings to your preference.

6. Simmer and Serve:

• Let the soup simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions, if desired.

Total Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 22g

Notes:

• Cheese: For the smoothest soup, use freshly shredded cheddar rather than pre-shredded, as the latter often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Ham: This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham, but you can also use store-bought cooked ham.
• Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the ham with a potato masher or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water.

This Ham & Cheddar Soup is rich and comforting, making it the perfect dish for a cozy evening in!