Cozy Comfort: Wisconsin's Signature Cheddar Apple Cider Soup Recipe!

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As the chilly winds of fall sweep across the beautiful landscapes of Wisconsin, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup to ward off the cold. In Wisconsin, where the autumn season brings a bounty of fresh apples and the finest cheeses, there's a unique recipe that perfectly embodies the flavors of the season: Cheddar Apple Cider Soup. This dish combines the tangy sweetness of local apples with the rich creaminess of Wisconsin cheddar, creating a delightful blend that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

A Taste of Wisconsin in Every Spoonful

Imagine a creamy, savory soup that melds the sharpness of cheddar cheese with the subtle tartness of apple cider. This isn't just any soup; it's a celebration of Wisconsin's rich culinary heritage, where dairy reigns supreme and apples are in abundance. The Cheddar Apple Cider Soup is a perfect representation of Wisconsin's farm-to-table tradition, bringing together fresh, local ingredients in a dish that's as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Recipe: Wisconsin Cheddar Apple Cider Soup

Ingredients:

• For the Soup:
• • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Pour in the apple cider and broth, then add the diced apples. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the apples are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Blend the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches. Return the blended mixture to the pot.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the soup is smooth.
5. Add the Dijon mustard and thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese and a few thyme leaves, if desired.

The Perfect Fall Comfort

This Cheddar Apple Cider Soup is the epitome of Wisconsin's fall cuisine, blending the best of the state's dairy and apple harvests. It's perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, served with a slice of warm crusty bread or alongside a fresh autumn salad. The creamy texture of the soup, combined with the tang of apple cider and the richness of cheddar, creates a harmonious blend that's both comforting and delicious.

With each spoonful, you'll experience the essence of Wisconsin's culinary tradition, a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that bring warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you're a cheese lover, an apple enthusiast, or just looking for a new fall favorite, this Cheddar Apple Cider Soup is sure to become a seasonal staple.

Here are some great sources for Cheddar Apple Cider Soup recipes that you can try to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall:

1. No Spoon Necessary provides a recipe for a creamy Cheddar Apple Cider Soup that combines the sweetness of apples with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. This soup includes a step of blending the cooked ingredients for a smooth texture and adding cream and brandy for extra richness. The soup is topped with crispy bacon and can be stored or even frozen for later use, making it convenient for meal prepping​(No Spoon Necessary).
2. Betty Crocker features a Cheddar-Apple Soup recipe that is both sweet and savory, combining ingredients like apple juice, cheddar cheese, and a hint of brandy. The soup is creamy thanks to the addition of half-and-half and heavy cream, and it's thickened with a bit of flour for the perfect consistency. This recipe also offers tips on how to achieve the best flavor combinations of cheese and fruit​(BettyCrocker.com).
3. Williams-Sonoma offers a unique take on the classic pairing of apples and cheddar in their Cheddar and Hard Cider Soup with Fried Shallots. This recipe adds depth with hard apple cider and a topping of crispy fried shallots, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup. It's perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special autumn meal​(Williams-Sonoma Taste).
4. Just A Pinch Recipes presents a lighter version of Apple Cheddar Soup that uses apple cider and sharp cheddar cheese. It also includes russet potatoes for added heartiness and suggests thinning the soup with vegetable broth if needed. This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner​(Just A Pinch Recipes).

For more details and to view the full recipes, you can visit the respective websites:

• No Spoon Necessary
• Betty Crocker
• Williams-Sonoma Taste
• Just A Pinch Recipes

These sources offer different variations of the Cheddar Apple Cider Soup, allowing you to find the perfect version that suits your taste!