Canadian Cheese Ham Soup

This hearty Canadian Cheese Soup has become my winter staple for cold nights when nothing else seems to satisfy. The combination of tender vegetables, savory ham, and rich cheese sauce creates a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out.

I first made this soup during a particularly harsh Canadian winter when I needed something substantial to serve unexpected guests. The pot was emptied within minutes and I've been perfecting the recipe ever since.

Ingredients

• Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of this soup while keeping it lighter than using all cream
• Red potatoes: Hold their shape well during cooking and add heartiness
• Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic quality that balances the richness
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• Onions and leeks: Create depth of flavor that develops during simmering
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates that distinctive tangy flavor look for aged varieties for best results
• Ham: Adds protein and smoky flavor choose quality ham from the deli counter rather than packaged varieties
• Butter and flour: Combine to create the thickening roux that gives the soup its perfect consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Vegetable Base Preparation:

Begin by combining chicken broth, cubed potatoes, chopped celery, sliced carrots, diced onions, and carefully cleaned leeks in a large Dutch oven. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the vegetables to cook until they reach fork tender perfection, approximately 25-30 minutes. The potatoes should yield easily to a fork but not fall apart completely.

Create The Cheese Sauce:

While vegetables are simmering, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Whisk in the gluten free flour until completely smooth and cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This creates your roux which will thicken the sauce beautifully. Gradually add the milk or cream in small amounts, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when properly thickened.

Cheese Integration:

Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly. Allow each addition to melt completely before adding more. This slow process prevents the cheese from separating and ensures a smooth, velvety texture. Continue until all cheese is incorporated and the sauce is completely smooth, about 5 minutes.

Final Assembly:

Gently pour the completed cheese sauce into the pot with the tender vegetables, stirring carefully to combine. Add the cubed ham and allow everything to heat through for about 10 minutes on low heat. This final simmer lets all the flavors meld together perfectly.

Save This

My favorite moment with this soup was watching my father in law who claims to dislike soup go back for thirds during a holiday gathering. He later confessed this changed his mind about soups as a main course forever.

Storage Tips

This Canadian Cheese Soup actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You may need to add a splash of additional broth or milk as the soup tends to thicken considerably when chilled. I never recommend freezing this soup as dairy based soups can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Customization Options

While traditional Canadian Cheese Soup follows this recipe closely, there are several delicious variations you can try. For a smoky flavor, replace the ham with crumbled bacon or smoked sausage. Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For different cheese profiles, try combining sharp cheddar with smoked gouda, gruyere, or even a touch of blue cheese for complexity. The soup becomes a canvas for creativity while maintaining its comforting essence.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup in deep bowls with a sprinkle of additional cheese on top and freshly cracked black pepper. Crusty artisan bread or homemade biscuits make perfect accompaniments for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. During special occasions, I serve this in hollowed out bread bowls for an impressive presentation that delights guests of all ages.

Common Queries

→ What kind of cheese is best for this soup?

Sharp cheddar is traditional for maximum flavor, but you can mix in other varieties like Swiss or Monterey Jack for a different taste.

→ Can I make this dish gluten free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour when preparing the cheese sauce to make the entire soup gluten free without sacrificing texture.

→ Which vegetables work best here?

Potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and leeks all contribute heartiness and flavor, but feel free to add parsnips or sweet corn if desired.

→ Is it possible to make the soup vegetarian?

You can skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

→ How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

Slowly whisk in warm milk and add cheese gradually over gentle heat, stirring until fully melted to prevent graininess.

→ Can this soup be frozen?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as creamy soups can separate when frozen, but it will keep refrigerated for several days.