Cheesy Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Welcome to a heartwarming culinary journey with a delightful twist – Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup. This soul-soothing recipe is a harmonious blend of sweet onions, velvety cheddar, and a hint of Creole seasoning that promises to bring the cozy comfort of a classic steakhouse right to your kitchen.

Picture this: a chilly Friday night, unexpected friends dropping by, and the irresistible aroma of Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup wafting through your home. This recipe has a magical way of disappearing fast, leaving behind only satisfied smiles and empty bowls.

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the way the sweet onions almost dissolve into the creamy soup, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or just someone in need of a hearty, heartwarming meal, Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, grab a ladle, sprinkle some extra cheddar on top, and get ready to savor the warmth and comfort of this inviting bowl of goodness.

Quick Benefits

• Silky, creamy consistency achieved through a flour-butter roux and gradual milk and broth addition
• Rich, velvety flavor profile from the combination of Velveeta and cheddar cheeses
• Customizable heat level with Creole seasoning, easily adjustable to suit personal preferences
• Delicate sweetness from sautéed onions, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort: This soup brings the ultimate comfort with its blend of sweet onions, velvety cheddar, and a touch of spice, perfect for cozy nights in.
• Classic Steakhouse Flavors: Recreate the warmth of classic steakhouse flavors without leaving home, making it a hit with everyone at the table.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Whip it up for last-minute gatherings; it disappears fast every time and gets rave reviews.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Onions: The sweet onions almost melt into the soup, providing a rich and luscious texture that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Cheese Lover’s Delight: If you love cheese, this dish guarantees a smile with its combination of Velveeta and cheddar, creating a creamy and flavorful soup.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with various cheese swaps, vegetarian options, and seasoning adjustments to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy with thick toast, garlic bread, or a rustic baguette; customize with crispy fried onions, hot sauce, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
• Family Favorite: A hit with both adults and kids, making it perfect for weeknight meals or family gatherings where everyone will be asking for seconds.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for easy workday lunches; just thaw overnight or warm gently on the stove for a quick and delicious meal.
• Regular Comfort Food Rotation: Once you try this soup, it’s sure to become a staple in your comfort food rotation, sparking friendly competitions over who can make the cheesiest bowl.

Ingredients for Cheesy Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Soup Base

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 large sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick

Cheese Blend

• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces processed cheese product (Velveeta), cubed

Pro Tips for Cheesy Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Pro Tip 1: To achieve a silky, creamy texture in your Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup, make sure to gradually add the milk and broth to the flour-butter roux. This method helps prevent lumps and ensures a velvety consistency.

Pro Tip 2: While Velveeta and cheddar provide a rich flavor profile to the soup, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like American or Monterey Jack for a different taste. The key is to use cheeses that melt well for that indulgent, cheesy finish.

Pro Tip 3: When sautéing the onions, aim for a delicate sweetness by cooking them just until translucent and soft. Avoid browning the onions to preserve their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the soup. Don’t forget to garnish each bowl with freshly grated cheddar and cracked black pepper for that final touch of flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Step 1: Sauté Onions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions, chicken bouillon cubes, and Creole seasoning. Sauté until onions are translucent and softened without browning.

Step 2: Prepare Roux

Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the pot, stirring constantly, until a smooth roux forms.

Step 3: Incorporate Dairy and Broth

Whisk in milk gradually while stirring to prevent lumps. Add chicken broth and stir constantly until mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Melt Cheese and Blend

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add cubed processed cheese and stir until fully dissolved and the soup is smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Add more Creole seasoning for extra spice, if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Divide soup among bowls and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese. Serve hot.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made the Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup and enjoyed its delicious flavors, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. To store the soup, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, you can transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container with room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creaminess.

For those who prefer not to use Velveeta, you can easily swap it out with a combination of shredded mozzarella and more cheddar. Additionally, if you’d like to make a vegetarian version of the soup, you can use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken broth. And if you find yourself without Creole seasoning, a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne can provide a gentle heat alternative. With these storage tips and ingredient substitutes, you can continue to enjoy this comforting soup any time you crave its cheesy goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Velveeta on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of shredded mozzarella and extra cheddar for a similar creamy texture and cheesy flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken bouillon cubes and chicken broth with vegetable bouillon for a flavorful alternative. If Creole seasoning is not available, you can create a substitute by combining smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a gentle heat to the soup.

For a seasonal twist, consider using leeks instead of sweet onions in spring for a lighter taste or incorporating chopped spinach or kale in winter for added freshness. In summer, garnish the soup with fresh herbs like chives or parsley to enhance the flavors. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs to personalize the soup to your preferences while maintaining its comforting essence.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, consider setting up a “Soup Bar” for your guests. Provide various toppings like crispy fried onions, hot sauce, chopped herbs, and extra shredded cheddar cheese for them to customize their Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup bowls. This way, everyone can tailor their soup to their liking, adding extra crunch, spice, or freshness to elevate the flavors.

To add a twist to your Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup, serve it in bread bowls. Hollow out round bread loaves, ladle the warm and creamy soup into them, and top with a sprinkle of cheddar and cracked black pepper. Not only does this presentation add a delightful touch of whimsy, but the combination of the cheesy soup with the bread bowl creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

FAQs for Cheesy Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta and cheddar?

Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like American or Monterey Jack as a substitute for Velveeta and cheddar, but keep in mind that Velveeta and cheddar provide the richest flavor in this recipe.

How spicy is the Creole seasoning in this soup?

The Creole seasoning adds a mild warmth to the soup. You can adjust the amount used to increase or decrease the heat level according to your preference.

How should I cook the onions for the best flavor?

Sauté the onions just until translucent and soft. Avoid browning them to maintain a delicate sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

What can I garnish each bowl with for extra flavor?

Top each bowl of Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar and a little cracked black pepper to add an extra depth of flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Warm up your kitchen and your heart with a comforting bowl of Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup. This recipe has the power to bring everyone together with its luscious blend of sweet onions, velvety cheddar, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re looking to recreate the cozy vibes of a classic steakhouse or simply craving a bowl of deliciousness, Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup is sure to hit the spot every time.

Don’t be surprised if this soup becomes a regular favorite in your household, sparking discussions over the best cheese toppings and making weeknight dinners feel extra special. With its versatile ingredients and simple preparation, Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup is a delightful addition to any meal rotation. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor the cheesy goodness that is Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup.

Cheesy Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Indulge in the ultimate comfort of Walkabout Onion Cheese Soup, a velvety blend of sweet onions, cheddar, and a hint of spice that’s pure cozy goodness in a bowl.

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Prep Time15 min

Cook Time35 min

Total Time50 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 bowls)

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 large sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick

Cheese Blend

• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces processed cheese product (Velveeta), cubed

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions, chicken bouillon cubes, and Creole seasoning. Sauté until onions are translucent and softened without browning.
2. Prepare Roux: Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the pot, stirring constantly, until a smooth roux forms.
3. Incorporate Dairy and Broth: Whisk in milk gradually while stirring to prevent lumps. Add chicken broth and stir constantly until mixture is smooth.
4. Melt Cheese and Blend: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add cubed processed cheese and stir until fully dissolved and the soup is smooth and uniform.
5. Season and Finish: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Add more Creole seasoning for extra spice, if desired.
6. Garnish and Serve: Divide soup among bowls and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese. Serve hot.