If you love a cozy, cheesy soup but want to sneak in some extra greens, this Spinach Cheddar Soup is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh spinach, and a velvety smooth texture. Perfect for a chilly night or when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and comforting – It’s rich, cheesy, and ultra-smooth.
Packed with spinach – A great way to get in extra greens.
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a preview of what you’ll need – the full list of ingredients is below!

Butter & flour – To make a simple roux for thickening the soup.
Onion & garlic – Essential for a deep, savory base.
Chicken or vegetable broth – Adds richness and depth.
Heavy cream – For a luscious, creamy texture.
Fresh spinach – Chopped and stirred in for color and flavor.
Sharp cheddar cheese – The key to that perfect cheesy goodness.
Seasonings – A mix of salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.

Step-by-Step Directions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Make the Roux

Stir in flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the soup and gives it a rich texture.

Add the Liquid

Slowly pour in the broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and let it cook until slightly thickened.

Stir in the Spinach

Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Blend Until Smooth (Optional)

For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend everything until silky. If you like a bit of texture, leave it chunky.

Add the Cheese and Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Serve hot.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use sharp cheddar – It gives the best bold, cheesy flavor.
Don’t boil after adding cheese – Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating.
Blend for a smooth texture – Or leave it chunky for a heartier soup.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it lighter – Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
Add protein – Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled bacon.
Use a different cheese – Try gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
As a side – Serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad.
With a sprinkle of extra cheese – Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm on low heat, stirring often to prevent separation.
Freezing – Avoid freezing as the dairy can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes! Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the soup.

How do I make it thicker?

Use more cheese, let it simmer longer, or add a bit more roux.

What’s the best way to blend it?

An immersion blender works best, but a regular blender can be used in batches.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

This Spinach Cheddar Soup is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty with a boost of fresh spinach. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s a comforting bowl you’ll want to make again and again.

Spinach Cheddar Soup – Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Greens

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Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Make the Roux – Stir in flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the soup and gives it a rich texture.
Add the Liquid – Slowly pour in the broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and let it cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in the Spinach – Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Blend Until Smooth (Optional) – For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend everything until silky. If you like a bit of texture, leave it chunky.
Add the Cheese and Cream – Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
Season and Serve – Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Serve hot.