This creamy soup mixes smooth brie and cheddar cheeses with fresh apples and a hint of maple. The walnut-oat granola adds a fun crunch on top!
I love how cozy this soup feels, perfect for chilly days. Plus, the granola gives it that perfect twist, making each spoonful exciting. Who knew soup could be so fancy? 🍏🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup. If you can’t find it, camembert or even a cream cheese could work well. I like using Brie for its distinct flavor, which pairs beautifully with apples.
Apples: For this soup, apples like Fuji or Gala are perfect due to their sweetness. However, Honeycrisp or Cortland also work nicely. I love using a mix of sweet and slightly tart apples for more depth in flavor!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings great flavor to the soup. You could swap it with mild cheddar, Gruyère, or even a dairy-free cheese if looking for alternatives. But sharp cheddar really enhances the overall taste.
Oat Granola: If you don’t have walnuts, feel free to use almonds or pecans for the granola. For a nut-free version, you could use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead! It’s great to customize based on what you have on hand.
How Do I Make the Soup Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that velvety texture is key for this soup! After cooking the apples and onions, blending is essential. Here’s how:
- Remove the pot from heat to prevent splattering.
- If you’re using an immersion blender, simply blend until smooth right in the pot.
- For a traditional blender, transfer the soup in batches, making sure to allow steam to escape. Blend until creamy, then return it to the pot.
Always taste and adjust your seasoning after blending. A little salt can really enhance the flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Granola Topping?
The walnut-oat granola adds a delightful crunch! Here’s a quick method to ensure it turns out perfect:
- Toast the oats and nuts on medium heat, stirring frequently so they don’t burn.
- The combination of maple syrup and coconut oil gives the granola a lovely sweetness and helps it clump together.
- Let it cool completely in the pan before adding it to the soup to maintain that crunchy texture.
Don’t hesitate to make an extra batch for snacking later on!
How to Make Creamy Maple Brie and Cheddar Apple Soup with Walnut-Oat Granola
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup apple cider or juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
For the Walnut-Oat Granola Topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter
- Pinch of sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 30-40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time on the granola topping and the soup itself, but then it simmers away while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Granola Topping:
Start by heating a small skillet over medium heat. Add the oats, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, coconut oil (or butter), and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until everything turns golden and releases a lovely aroma. Once done, take it off the heat and set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Soup Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent; this should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Apples and Liquids:
Now, add the chopped apples to the pot and let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the apple cider. Add the thyme, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the apples are very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup:
After the apples are tender, remove the pot from heat. If you have an immersion blender, use it to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If not, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, and blend until you achieve a creamy consistency. Remember to return the blended soup back to the pot.
5. Add Cheeses and Cream:
Set the pot over low heat and stir in the Brie and cheddar cheeses. Mix until they melt and are fully combined. Now, add the heavy cream and maple syrup to the pot, stirring gently until everything is incorporated. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
Finally, ladle the creamy soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the toasted walnut-oat granola for that perfect crunch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top for added sweetness!
Enjoy a delightful, creamy soup that beautifully balances the flavors of sweet apples and savory cheeses, all enhanced by a crispy, sweet granola topping! Perfect for cozy nights or a comforting meal anytime!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie and sharp cheddar are fantastic choices, you can substitute with other cheeses. Cream cheese or camembert can replace Brie, and feel free to use mild cheddar, Gruyère, or even a dairy-free option if needed. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet soup, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste. You can also skip the extra drizzle at the end or use a lower-sugar option if necessary. Tasting as you go is a great way to find the perfect balance!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also use vegan cheese products to achieve a similar cheesy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up!