Bowl of creamy apple cheddar soup topped with nutty granola.

Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup with Nutty Granola Topping

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Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup with Nutty Granola Topping: A Deliciously Cozy Creation

Are you looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? Look no further! Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup with Nutty Granola Topping is the perfect recipe to satisfy your comfort food cravings while impressing your family or guests. This delightful soup combines the sweetness of apples with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, all topped with a crunchy nutty granola that adds a surprise twist. It’s an easy-to-make, delightful blend that you’ll find yourself craving time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup

Let’s be honest: as busy women managing multiple responsibilities, finding the time to whip up something both delicious and nourishing can be a challenge. This Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup fits snugly into your busy life—it’s quick to prepare yet elegant enough to serve for dinner guests. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that can be modified for your dietary needs. Whether you’re a mom looking to impress picky eaters or a busy professional in need of a quick dinner solution, this recipe has you covered!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith apples work wonders here!)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Nutty Granola Topping:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans are fantastic)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps to Make Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup

  1. Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Don’t walk away now—the smell will have your family swooning!

  2. Add the Apples: Toss in the diced apples and stir everything together for a couple of minutes. They should start getting a bit soft and cozy in the pot.

  3. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble away for approximately 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender. This is where the flavors meld together—so satisfying!

  4. Blend it Up: Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a regular blender, but be careful!), puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you like a bit of texture, feel free to leave some chunks—it’s your soup, after all!

  5. Cream and Cheese Magic: Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Allow it to melt and blend until creamy and luscious. Season with salt and pepper—just remember, always taste as you go!

  6. Granola Topping Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the oats, nuts, honey, salt, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through until golden and crunchy. Watch out! That irresistible aroma will have you hovering over the oven.

  7. Serving: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle over the nutty granola topping, and voilà! Your Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup is ready to be devoured.

Cooking Tips

  • Choose Your Apples Wisely: Granny Smith’s tartness balances beautifully with the sharp cheddar. Feel free to mix apples for a deeper flavor.

  • Make Ahead: This soup can be made in advance—just store it in the fridge. Heat it up gently and add the cheese before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen feel.

  • Granola Upgrade: If you’re short on time, store-bought granola can substitute, but homemade is always better—it’s like the difference between a hug from your best friend and a handshake from a stranger!

Personal Anecdote

I remember the first time I made this soup—it was a chilly evening, and my kids were grumbling about how much they didn’t want "just soup" for dinner. But then they caught a whiff of that sweet apple and cheesy goodness wafting from the kitchen. By the time I served it up, they were devouring it like it was dessert! Now, it’s a staple for chilly nights, and I love hearing their giggles as they crunch on the granola.

FAQs

Can I substitute cheddar cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to try gouda or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.

How can I store leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it—just be sure to leave out the cream and cheese if you plan to do so. Add it back in after thawing for the best results!

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, why not toss in some celery or carrots when you’re sautéing the onions? It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for the kiddos!

If you’re eager to add more flavor-packed dishes to your repertoire, check out my recipe archive for delights like Savory Butternut Squash Risotto or Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken!

So go ahead, grab that apron, and treat yourself to a bowl of Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup with Nutty Granola Topping. You deserve every bite, and so do the ones you love!

Meta Description: "Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup with Nutty Granola Topping is the perfect recipe for cozy dinners. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—try it today!"

Creamy Apple Cheddar Soup with Nutty Granola Topping

This delightful soup combines the sweetness of apples with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, topped with a crunchy nutty granola for a surprise twist.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 onion, chopped Yellow or white onion works well
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Add to sauté for flavor
  • 4 cups apples, peeled and diced Granny Smith apples recommended
  • 2 cups vegetable broth Can substitute chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream Or coconut milk for a lighter version
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded For mixing into soup
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
For the Nutty Granola Topping
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans) Use your favorite nuts
  • 2 tablespoons honey Or maple syrup for a vegan option
  • a pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon For extra flavor

Method
 

Sauté the Base
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the Apples
  1. Toss in the diced apples and stir everything together for a couple of minutes until they start to get soft.
Pour in the Broth
  1. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble for approximately 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender.
Blend it Up
  1. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
Cream and Cheese Magic
  1. Return the soup to low heat, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Granola Topping Time
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the oats, nuts, honey, salt, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through until golden.
Serving
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle the nutty granola topping, and enjoy!

Notes

Choose Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance with cheddar. Soup can be made in advance and reheated. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze without cream and cheese.

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