Cheddar Pear Soup
Fresh 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 some fresh fruit for lunch or a light supper.
—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, ID
Prep: 15 min. • Cook: 35 min. • Makes: 8 servings
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
- Fresh pear slices, optional
- 1. 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.
- 2. Puree soup using an immersion blender, or cool slightly and puree soup in batches in a blender; return to pot. Add cheese and pepper; cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes. If desired, top with pear slices.
1 cup: 299 cal., 20g fat (12g sat. fat), 60mg chol., 938mg sod., 18g carb. (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g pro.
