Prepare to fall in love with a soup that truly defines comfort food: Kelly’s Cheese Soup. This isn’t just any cheese soup; it’s a meticulously crafted copycat recipe loaded with tender broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, and pasta. Smooth, incredibly creamy, and bursting with cheesy goodness, it’s hearty enough to serve as a satisfying meal on its own. This beloved recipe has been a family favorite for generations, capturing the essence of a regional culinary gem, and it’s guaranteed to become a new staple in your home.

Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort: Kelly’s Cheese Soup

If you’re searching for a soup that wraps you in a warm hug, look no further than this incredible cheese soup. Beyond its luxuriously creamy texture and irresistible flavor, it’s generously packed with wholesome vegetables like tender cauliflower, vibrant broccoli, and sweet carrots. The addition of pasta transforms it into something truly special, reminiscent of a decadent macaroni and cheese experience, but in a hearty, soul-satisfying soup form. Around here, it’s more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition and an absolute favorite.

The Story Behind a Local Legend: Kelly’s Irish Pub

Our town is fortunate to host a collection of incredibly popular restaurants, all proudly owned and operated by a local family. These establishments are renowned for serving some of the finest food in the area, and each holds a special place in the community’s heart. My husband, for instance, spent a significant portion of his twenties working at one of these beloved spots, a unique eatery serving both delicious pizza and authentic Mexican cuisine. While it might sound like an unconventional pairing, the combination is surprisingly harmonious and absolutely delicious, especially when paired with their signature pitchers of margaritas.

Among these culinary landmarks is Kelly’s, the family’s charming Irish pub. True to its pub roots, Kelly’s boasts a fantastic menu featuring mouth-watering burgers, fresh salads, satisfying sandwiches, crispy chicken fingers, and all the comforting fare you’d expect from a quality family establishment. However, what truly sets Kelly’s apart for many patrons is its legendary salad bar. It offers a bountiful selection of fresh toppings and dressings, but the true stars are two unexpected delights: massive, fluffy cinnamon rolls and, of course, their famously rich and creamy cheese soup.

It’s not uncommon for people to visit Kelly’s solely for the salad bar, often making a beeline for a bowl of that magnificent cheese soup and a warm cinnamon roll. And honestly, there’s absolutely no shame in that! When something is truly exceptional, you embrace it wholeheartedly.

A Cherished Family Tradition: Grandma’s Copycat Recipe

The original Kelly’s Cheese Soup is legendary, but for our family, the homemade copycat version created by my grandmother holds an equally special place. For as long as I can remember, Grandma has been perfecting this recipe, and I can confidently say it’s every bit as good as the original, if not better in its comforting, homemade appeal. This particular recipe was lovingly pulled from a family cookbook that my grandma and aunt compiled when I was just a young kid, ensuring its authenticity and generational appeal. It’s a taste of history, a warm memory in every spoonful.

This soup is a treasure trove of deliciousness. It’s brimming with an abundance of fresh vegetables, hearty potatoes, comforting noodles, all swimming in a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy base. It’s truly like receiving a big, warm hug on a chilly day, a dish that nourishes both body and soul. What’s more, this wonderful soup comes together surprisingly quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.

For those who love to cook in larger batches, this cheese soup is also a fantastic candidate for a slow cooker. Just a word of caution: if using a slow cooker, keep a watchful eye on it once all the ingredients have melted and combined. The edges can scorch if left unattended for too long, so a gentle stir now and then will ensure perfect creaminess.

Over the years, this cheese soup has graced countless family gatherings, becoming a beloved staple. From grandma’s festive Christmas table to lively “souper bowl” parties, it consistently steals the show. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests yet simple enough to whip up on a casual, cold Monday evening. So please, do yourself a favor and try this magnificent soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to bring a piece of cherished hometown comfort right into your own kitchen.

Carlee’s Essential Tips, Tricks, and Smart Substitutions for Perfect Soup

One of the most wonderful aspects of preparing soup is its incredible versatility. Soup recipes are remarkably forgiving, offering ample opportunities for customization and personal touches. It’s genuinely difficult to go too wrong, as long as you steer clear of scorching that delicious cheese!

Making it Vegetarian-Friendly

Transforming this hearty cheese soup into a delightful vegetarian meal is incredibly simple. Instead of using cream of chicken soup, opt for a creamy alternative such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. For the liquid base, swap the chicken stock for an equal amount of water or a rich vegetable broth. With these easy adjustments, you’ll have a wonderfully flavorful, meat-free meal that’s perfect for vegetarians or as a comforting option during Lent.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

This cheese soup is wonderfully thick and tends to become even richer as it cools. If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, simply whisk in a little extra water or broth until it reaches your desired texture. Adjust slowly to avoid making it too thin.

Vegetable Variations

While the original recipe calls for a California mix of vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots), feel free to customize it to your liking. If you’re a devout fan of broccoli, simply use all broccoli for a super chunky and intensely flavorful broccoli cheese soup. Other excellent additions or substitutions include sautéed celery, bell peppers, or even a handful of fresh spinach added at the very end for a touch of green and extra nutrients.

Choosing Your Perfect Pasta

For this recipe, I typically reach for wide egg noodles or classic elbow macaroni, as they both hold up beautifully in the creamy broth and are easy to scoop. However, you truly can use any pasta shape that comfortably fits on your spoon. Ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti pieces would work wonderfully. Let your personal preference and common sense guide your choice. And if you stumble upon a particularly fabulous variation, please don’t hesitate to share it with me – I adore trying new suggestions!

Storage and Reheating

This soup makes a generous batch, perfect for leftovers! Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened considerably, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth (or water) to achieve your desired consistency. Freezing is also an option, though the texture of the potatoes and Velveeta may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If freezing, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

4.89 from 51 ratings

Copycat Kelly’s Cheese Soup

Author:
Carlee

Servings:

12
Servings

This creamy and comforting cheese soup truly has it all. Packed with noodles, a medley of vegetables, and tender potatoes, it’s a filling meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s undoubtedly one of our absolute favorite soup recipes.

Print

Pin

Rate

Prep:

10 mins

Cook:

20 mins

Total:

30 mins

Equipment

• Le Creuset Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt., Deep Teal

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken stock
• 2½ cups diced potatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 10.5 oz. cans cream of chicken soup
• 12 oz. bag frozen California mix vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
• 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 6 oz macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
• 2 lb. Velveeta, cubed

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the 6 cups chicken stock, 2½ cups diced potatoes, and 1 small diced onion. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Add the 12 oz. bag of frozen California mix vegetables, 4 oz. can of sliced mushrooms, and 2 10.5 oz. cans of cream of chicken soup to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender, which should take another 5-7 minutes.
3. Finally, stir in the cooked 6 oz macaroni noodles and the cubed 2 lb. Velveeta cheese. Continue stirring gently over low heat until the Velveeta is completely melted and the soup is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!

Video

Show Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1Serving |
Calories: 313kcal |
Carbohydrates: 35g |
Protein: 22g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 35mg |
Sodium: 1425mg |
Potassium: 718mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 924IU |
Vitamin C: 35mg |
Calcium: 462mg |
Iron: 1mg

“Cooking With Carlee” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you try this recipe?

Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration!