Artisan White Cheddar Corn Soup
3 Tbsp. butter
2 cups diced onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32 oz.) pkg. reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth
5 cups (28 oz.) frozen corn kernels
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. ea: salt, freshly ground black pepper and dried thyme leaves
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2-1/2 cups (10 oz.) Sargento Artisan Blends® Shredded Wisconsin Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
Optional garnishes: additional cheese, croutons, finely diced ham, hot pepper sauce and/or unsweetened whipped cream mixed with Dijon mustard and chopped fresh herbs
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Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 10 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes.
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Add broth, corn, bay leaf, salt, pepper and thyme leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 30 minutes.
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Discard bay leaf. Transfer mixture 2 cups at a time to a blender container. Remove round plastic disc from lid; close lid and cover opening with a thick kitchen towel or pot holder. Hold towel over lid while blending mixture on high speed until mixture is pureed. Transfer mixture to a saucepan. Repeat with remaining soup mixture.
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Add cream to soup; bring to a boil. Stir in cheese; turn off heat and stir until cheese is melted. Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle soup into shallow bowls; garnish as desired.