Does cheddar cheese soup have gluten in it?

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Quick Answer

Cheddar cheese soup is generally considered gluten-free, as long as no wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients are added during preparation. Cheddar cheese itself does not contain gluten. However, some packaged cheddar cheese soups may contain thickeners or flavorings that do have gluten, so it’s important to read the label carefully. When prepared from scratch using only real cheese, milk or cream, and seasonings, cheddar cheese soup can be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, and malabsorption of nutrients. The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.

Some people with gluten sensitivity can tolerate small amounts of gluten, while those with celiac disease must avoid it completely to prevent intestinal damage. Even tiny amounts of gluten found in cross-contaminated foods can be harmful. This is why it’s important for people who are gluten-free to understand where gluten hides in foods and how to choose safe gluten-free options.

Sources of Gluten

These grains contain gluten:

Wheat – including wheat berries, durum, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham, einkorn, and forms of wheat such as bulgur, couscous, wheat bran and wheat germ
Barley

Rye
Triticale – a hybrid of wheat and rye

Any foods or ingredients containing these grains are sources of gluten. This includes:

Breads, baked goods, and crackers made with wheat flour
Pasta and noodles containing wheat, barley or rye
Cereals and oats (unless certified gluten-free)

Beer, ales, lagers and malt beverages
Foods breaded or coated with wheat-based breadcrumbs
Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and salad dressings containing wheat

Soup bases, broths, bouillon cubes or granules containing wheat, barley or rye
Processed meat products with wheat-based fillers, stabilizers or seasonings
Imitation meats containing wheat-based proteins

French fries or other foods cooked in oil containing wheat-based additives

Reading ingredient lists carefully and looking for statements like “contains wheat” or “made in a facility that processes wheat” can help identify foods with hidden sources of gluten. When dining out, checking with your server about how menu items are prepared can help prevent cross-contamination from gluten-containing ingredients.

Is Cheddar Cheese Soup Gluten-Free?

Cheddar cheese soup made from just cheddar cheese, milk or cream, and seasonings contains no gluten and is safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Here are the key points:

Cheddar cheese does not inherently contain gluten. It’s made by curdling milk and aging the curds to develop a sharp flavor.
Milk and cream do not contain gluten.
Butter, salt, pepper and spices used to season cheese soup are gluten-free.

As long as no wheat flour or other gluten grains are added during preparation, the soup remains gluten-free.

So if you make cheddar cheese soup at home using only real cheese, dairy, and gluten-free seasonings, you can be confident it’s gluten-free.

However, some pre-packaged and canned cheddar cheese soups may contain ingredients that are not gluten-free, such as:

Wheat flour – used as a thickening agent
Modified food starch – may come from wheat
Hydrolyzed wheat protein – used as a flavor enhancer

Barley malt – added for color and sweetness
Maltodextrin – may be derived from wheat or barley
Soy sauce or wheat-based broths – used for seasoning

So while real cheddar cheese soup is gluten-free, packaged varieties may contain hidden sources of gluten. It’s essential to thoroughly read the ingredient list and nutrition facts label when purchasing prepared cheddar cheese soups. Terms like “gluten-free” or “no gluten ingredients” should also be looked for.

When dining out, ask your server about the soup ingredients and preparation method to verify no wheat flour or croutons will be added to a gluten-free cheddar cheese soup. Checking for cross-contact risk from preparation equipment is also advised if you are highly sensitive.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Cheddar Cheese Soup

To make your own gluten-free cheddar cheese soup at home, follow a simple recipe using these core gluten-free ingredients:

Cheddar Cheese – Use grated sharp cheddar for the deepest flavor. A blend of white and orange cheddar makes a nice color.
Butter – Butter adds richness but can be omitted for a dairy-free or vegan soup.
Milk or Cream – Milk or heavy cream provides the base for the soup. Non-dairy milks like almond or coconut milk can also be used.

Soup Base – Opt for gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth or stock. Homemade is ideal but check labels on store-bought varieties.
Mustard – Adds tang; check label for gluten-free brands or make your own.
Cornstarch – Serves as a gluten-free thickener when mixed with cold water.

Spices – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika.

Follow your favorite recipe for combining the ingredients, cooking until hot and thickened. Add any optional garnishes like cooked bacon bits, chives or croutons made from gluten-free bread. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy soup as a comforting starter or light meal.

Gluten-Free Substitutions

If a cheddar cheese soup recipe calls for a gluten-containing thickener like wheat flour or roux, these substitutes help make it gluten-free:

Cornstarch slurry – Mix cornstarch with cold water then gradually add while stirring.
Rice flour – Substitute measure for measure for wheat flour.
Xanthan gum – Add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of liquid to prevent separation.

Pureed potatoes – Boil, drain and blend potato flesh for thickening.
Pureed cauliflower – Cook florets, drain and puree in blender.

And if the recipe uses a wheat-based broth, replace with:

Gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth
Homemade bone broth simmered for 12-24 hours
Broth made from cooking potatoes, carrots, celery and onions

With these simple ingredient swaps, you can transform traditional cheddar cheese soup recipes into gluten-free comfort food the whole family can enjoy together.

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect finishing touch to creamy gluten-free cheddar cheese soup, add any of these garnishes:

Crumbled cooked bacon or prosciutto

Sliced scallions or chives
Croutons made from gluten-free bread
Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans

Fresh snipped dill or chives
Shredded cheese like extra sharp cheddar or Parmesan

Or serve the soup with these accompaniments:

Wedge salad with gluten-free dressing
Gluten-free bread or crackers
Celery sticks

Carrot sticks
Apple slices
Warm gluten-free rolls

Cheddar cheese soup also makes a flavorful base for other ingredients. Try adding cooked chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, corn or peas to turn it into a chunky chowder. The possibilities are endless with this naturally gluten-free comfort food.

Is Cheese Soup Gluten-Free at Restaurants?

When ordering cheddar cheese soup or other cheese soups at restaurants, exercise caution and ask questions to ensure it’s gluten-free. Here are some tips:

Inquire about all ingredients and preparation methods used

Request the soup without wheat flour as a thickener
Ask if any wheat-based broths or seasonings are used
Check that croutons or bread garnishes can be left off

Ask if there’s a risk of cross-contact from wheat-based soups on the menu
Ensure the kitchen takes precautions to avoid cross-contamination if you are highly sensitive
Check restaurant allergen menus or notes for “gluten-free” labeled items

With soups made fresh in house, ingredients and procedures can vary from day to day. So don’t hesitate to ask questions every time you dine out to ensure the safest gluten-free choices.

Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe

This easy cheddar cheese soup comes together quickly using just 6 simple gluten-free ingredients. It makes a comforting meal any night of the week accompanied by a salad or gluten-free bread for dipping.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups cold milk
2 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and broth.

Cook, whisking constantly, until soup thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
Stir in mustard and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Serve topped with extra shredded cheese, cooked bacon pieces, scallions or gluten-free croutons if desired.

Tips

For added richness, substitute half & half or heavy cream for the milk.
Add cooked broccoli, cauliflower or diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
Use a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese for the best flavor.

Add hot pepper sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra spice.

Made properly with gluten-free ingredients, this simple cheddar cheese soup recipe is a warming and satisfying comfort food. It can be enjoyed any night of the week and is perfect for gluten-free and dairy-free diets when modified.

Conclusion

Cheddar cheese soup made from real ingredients like cheese, milk, and broth contains no gluten and is safe for gluten-free diets. Packaged soups may have questionable thickeners or wheat-based flavorings, so reading labels is a must. When dining out, ask questions about preparation techniques and ingredients to ensure no hidden sources of gluten. With the right homemade recipe and precautions, creamy cheddar cheese soup can be a delicious gluten-free comfort food you can enjoy without hesitation. Just be sure to confirm all ingredients and watch for cross-contamination risks to stay gluten-free.