Craving a soup that will make your taste buds dance and your comfort food dreams come true? Get ready to discover the ultimate Spinach Mushroom Cheddar Soup - a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary symphony! This isn't just another soup recipe; it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to elevate your home cooking game and impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a luxurious lunch option, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the spinach, slicing mushrooms, dicing onion, and mincing garlic. Measure out all other ingredients to have them ready.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the broth to heat through and blend the flavors for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and rich base for the soup.
- Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup, stirring gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach is fully incorporated.
- Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to ensure even melting and a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional cheese, fresh cracked pepper, or a small spinach leaf for presentation.
Tips
- For the richest flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. The melting quality is significantly better.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting the onions and mushrooms develop a golden color builds deeper flavor foundations for your soup.
- If you want a slightly thicker soup, you can create a quick roux by adding a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions before adding broth.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt level, allowing you to season more precisely to your taste.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the soup will be slightly less rich.
- Fresh spinach works best - frozen spinach can make the soup watery and less vibrant.
- Serve immediately after adding cheese for the most luxurious, smooth texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
