Creating Houston’s Canadian Cheese Soup is simple. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

1. Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery into the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
4. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer while stirring to avoid lumps.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Once the mixture is bubbling, reduce heat to low and add the grated cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Add Milk or Cream: Pour in the milk or cream and stir until well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous.
7. Heat Through: Let the soup heat for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Blend (Optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy.
9. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired.

These steps will guide you in crafting an incredible pot of Houston’s Canadian Cheese Soup effortlessly!