German Cheese and Leek Soup

Cheese spread, aka Schmelzkäse in Germany, and crème fraîche add a comforting creaminess to this indulgent cheesy leek soup recipe. It's a very popular soup in cold winter days here in Germany and traditionally, this German cheese leek soup (Käse-Lauch-Suppe) is prepared with ground meat. I had chosen to leave it out as I had a huge porterhouse as the main. However, you can top the soup with some crispy bacon bites and croutons for the crunchiness or simply serve it with some warm bread or rye crackers.
Cheese spread or processed cheese (Schmelzkäse in German) is made from ripe semi-hard cheese or fresh cheese (at least 50 %) with the addition of other milk products, such as butter or cream. It thickens sauces and soups and gives the dishes a fine, savoury note. Processed cheese is also perfect for gratin. It usually has a longer shelf life.

1 Small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
1-2 Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
250 g Leek, cut into thin rings (white parts and the beginning of the green part only)
2 tbsp Ghee
800 ml Homemade broth (I used homemade beef broth)
250 g Cheese spread / processed cheese (I used Milkana Schmelzkäse)
200 g Crème fraîche
1/8 tsp Freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper

First peel the onion and garlic and finely chop the both. Thoroughly clean the leeks. Dry and cut the leek into fine rings.
Heat the ghee in a large saucpan. Add in chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes until translucent. Then add the chopped garlic and leek rings. Cook until aromatic, about 5 minutes. Now add in broth and let simmer for 8-10 minutes.
Stir in cheese spread and crème fraîche. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Season the soup with salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg.

30 comments:

Christine 31/12/22 23:58: I love soups! Happy New Year!
Brian's Home Blog 1/1/23 00:07: That sure does look good! All of us at Brian’s Home wish you a most Happy New Year!
Tom 1/1/23 01:02: ...Angie, my best to you for healthy and happy new year.
J.P. Alexander 1/1/23 03:41: Gracias por la receta. Pasaba a desearte un feliz año lleno de prosperidad para ti y para tu familia. Te mando un beso.
DeniseinVA 1/1/23 05:43: Thank you for all the wonderful recipes you have shared with us in 2022. Dear Angie, I wish you A Very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Sherry's Pickings 1/1/23 07:37: this sounds good angie, tho hubby doesn't like leeks. Who knew?! Happy new year.
SAM 1/1/23 13:22: The soup looks utterly delicious. We never seem to have creme fraishe I'm out supermarkets in Minnesota so wondering what alternative would work. Leeks are hard to come by too, but I love the flavor.
DEZMOND 1/1/23 13:25: That is a wonderful soup and that pastry looks delicious too! Happy New Year lots of good recipes and food in the new one!
Angie's Recipes 1/1/23 13:56: @SAMUse sour cream instead if you can't find crème fraîche. how come no leek? Thought it's a winter veggie?
Rhodesia 1/1/23 14:16: That sounds quite delicious. Happy New Year. Cheers Diane
Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine 1/1/23 14:20: I love creamy soup this looks very comforting and delicious
Bill 1/1/23 17:27: This is the perfect time to have this delicious looking soup. Happy New Year, Angie.
Cooking Julia 1/1/23 18:27: I would love a bowl of this soup for my dinner!
Lola Martínez 1/1/23 20:27: No me cabe la menor duda de que esta sopa está deliciosa, ahora apetece mucho.
Feliz Año 2023.
Un beso.
Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake 1/1/23 22:47: This sounds perfect for a cold winter's day! I'd enjoy this creamy cheesy soup for both lunch and dinner. Happy New Year, Angie!! XOXO
Hena Tayeb 2/1/23 02:16: Looks delicious.
Rose world 2/1/23 02:46: I like such creamy soup. I bet I would enjoy this.
Merryn 2/1/23 05:38: The flavour of this soup would be dynamic and intense with a nice crusty German bread roll this is definitely welcome nourishing food.
Anonymous 2/1/23 15:36: I always get excited about soup! This looks hearty and filling. It's Judee from Gluten Free A-Z blog
Paolina 2/1/23 22:09: che buona zuppa! un piatto da riproporre anche a casa mia! Tantissimi auguri di buon 2023!
My name is Erika. 2/1/23 23:25: Boy that looks good. I am very hungry right now, waiting for dinner to finish cooking, and a bowl of soup would be yummy. Happy second day of 2023. hugs-Erika
The Yum List 3/1/23 01:53: I bet cheese and leek is a delicious combo.
Rainbow Evening 3/1/23 06:16: Cheese makes food tasteful.... love it.
# Happy new year
Anonymous 3/1/23 13:18: My auntie in Budapest used to save all the little cheese bits and when he had enough, she would process them into a cheese ball of sorts, I wonder if it is the same as Schmelzkäse? Great idea to use it in soup, making it silky, creamy and delicious! Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy new year!
Eva https://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/
Angie's Recipes 3/1/23 14:11: @Anonymous Sounds quite similar..usually just some hard or semi hard cheese mixed with heavy cream or butter. It's really great to use it to make the soups.
thepaintedapron.com 3/1/23 17:52: Cheese soup, yes please! This sounds lovely, Happy New Year Angie!
Muriel de PETITES MARMITES ET COMPAGNIE 3/1/23 22:30: Un régal cette soupe !
A mon tour, je te souhaite une très belle année 2023. Qu'elle te garde en santé et soit pleine de joies et de bonheurs.
Raymund 3/1/23 23:12: That looks so creamy delicious. BTW Happy New Year to you and your Family🎉🍾🥂
tigerfish 4/1/23 16:50: The leeks must be so flavorful, cooked down in ghee; plus all the other elements - garlic, cheese, crème fraîche - such a delicious soup to enjoy many round of :) Happy New Year to you and your family!
Federica Simoni 12/1/23 16:49: che bontà questa zuppa😋