SLOW-COOKED SAVORY CHEESE SOUP

Slow-Cooked Savory Cheese Soup image

This creamy cheese soup is great at parties. Let guests serve themselves and choose from fun garnishes such as popcorn, croutons, green onions and bacon bits. -Ann Huseby, Lakeville, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 8h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
1 small onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cold water
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed and room temperature
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (12 ounces) beer, optional
Optional Toppings: croutons, popcorn, crumbled cooked bacon, sliced green onions

Steps:

In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours. , Combine flour and water until smooth; stir into soup. Cover and cook on high 30 minutes longer or until soup is thickened. , Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until blended. Stir in beer if desired. Cover and cook on low until heated through. Serve with desired toppings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 21g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 69mg cholesterol, Sodium 797mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.