Cheddar Pear Soup

Name: Cheddar Pear Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts)
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 5 cups chicken broth; 3 medium ripe pears, peeled and chopped; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; Fresh pear slices, optional

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Cook: 35 min.

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts)

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Pears and sharp cheddar have always been one of my favorite flavor combos. This recipe brings the two together in a creamy, delicious soup. I like to serve it with a warm baguette and fresh fruit for lunch or a light supper. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
5 cups chicken broth
3 medium ripe pears, peeled and chopped
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Fresh pear slices, optional

Directions

In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute onion and garlic until tender, 7-9 minutes. Stir in flour and paprika until blended; cook and stir 2 minutes. Gradually stir in broth. Add chopped pears; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until pears are tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Puree soup using an immersion blender, or cool slightly and puree soup in batches in a blender; return to pan. Add cheese and pepper; cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes. If desired, top with pear slices.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 299 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 938mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.

Recipe Creator