Craving comfort but short on time and cash? This recipe transforms basic canned soup into a three-minute cheesy masterpiece using just your microwave. Seriously—it costs under $2 and requires zero stove skills.
That sad can of condensed soup just became your pantry’s MVP. A cheese upgrade adds creamy richness that makes it taste homemade, minus the effort or expensive ingredients.
We’ll show you how to nail this lazy gourmet hack—safely, cheaply, and with flair.
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Quick & Cheesy Microwave Canned Soup
Course: Dinner, LunchCuisine: American2
2
minutes3
minutes250
kcal5
minutesWhen you’re short on time and need something tasty, this microwave cheesy canned soup is the perfect solution. Using just a few ingredients from your pantry, you can create a warm, delicious bowl of soup topped with gooey cheese that will make any meal feel special.
Ingredients
of your favorite canned soup about 15 oz
shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
salt and pepper to taste
optional toppings like croutons or chopped herbs.
Directions
- Open the can of soup and pour it into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, add the shredded cheese on top of the soup, and return it to the microwave.
- Heat for an additional 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the microwave, let it sit for a minute, and serve hot, topped with optional croutons or herbs if desired..
Notes
- Feel free to use any flavor of canned soup such as tomato, chicken noodle, or minestrone. You can also switch up the cheese types for different flavors. This recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal without much effort.
Can You Microwave Canned Soup for This Recipe?
Yes, but never microwave soup directly in the can. Cans have metal linings that spark (ask my dad George, who once tried “saving time” and nearly turned our family reunion into a fireworks show). Always transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl first.
Safety Tips for Microwaving Canned Soup
Microwave-safe bowls are non-negotiable. We use tempered glass or ceramic dishes rated for 120°C+ heat. Plastic containers? Only if labeled “microwave-safe”—otherwise, they might warp or leak chemicals.
- Cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent splatters (no one wants tomato soup on their microwave turntable)
- Stir halfway to avoid cold spots—those unevenly heated pockets can burn your tongue
- Check temp with a spoon—soup should steam but not erupt like my mom Linda’s infamous “volcano chili”
What Does Cheesy Canned Soup Taste Like?
Imagine your childhood grilled cheese dunked in creamy tomato soup, but amped up with molten cheddar. The cheese transforms thin, salty broth into a velvety hug—like my dad’s “fancy” reunion soup that secretly used Velveeta and a dash of paprika. A quick and easy way to enjoy a similar comfort dish is by making creamy tomato soup in one pot using the microwave. This method not only simplifies the process but also keeps the rich flavors intact.
Different cheeses change the game: sharp cheddar adds tang, American melts into silk, and pepper jack brings subtle heat. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses with anti-caking agents (they can make soup grainy)—we learned this after Linda’s “sandy” broccoli cheddar incident. It’s especially important to choose the right cheese when crafting any quick and cheesy microwaved meals.
Ready to turn that can into cheesy gold? Let’s grab your ingredients and nuke nostalgia into existence. For a quick and satisfying snack, why not whip up some cheesy garlic bread in the microwave? It’s an easy way to satisfy those cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Quick & Cheesy Microwave Canned Soup
You need just three items: 1 can of condensed soup (10.5-12 oz), ½ cup shredded cheese, and ½ cup liquid (water, milk, or broth). That’s it—unless you count the paper towel you’ll use as a splatter shield. These ingredients are perfect for a quick & cheesy microwave canned soup that’s both convenient and comforting.
Cheese Alternatives & Substitutes
Velveeta or American cheese melts smoother than a jazz saxophonist—perfect for silky texture. Prefer tang? Sharp cheddar works, but shred it yourself. Those pre-shredded bags contain cellulose (wood pulp) that can leave soup looking like my cousin’s failed science project. When melting cheese, using a microwave can simplify the process significantly. To melt Velveeta in the microwave, just cut it into smaller pieces and heat it in short intervals for the best results.
Vegan? Swap in 1/4 cup nutritional yeast + 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water. It won’t stretch like dairy, but adds umami depth without the dairy drama. Just imagine using nutritional yeast for a crunchy snack like microwave veggie chips, perfect for satisfying those salty cravings. This simple addition not only enhances flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of your snacks.
Broth or Water Adjustments
Canned soup is saltier than a pirate—dilute condensed versions with low-sodium broth instead of water. For creamier results, use milk (dairy or oat). Our rule: ½ cup liquid per can, but add 1 tbsp extra if using cheese that thickens (looking at you, pepper jack). To enjoy a quick and comforting meal, a microwave soup recipe can be a great option. These recipes often leverage canned soups as a base, making it super easy to whip up a delicious bowl in just minutes.
Also See: Quick & Easy Peach Cobbler in a Mug (Microwave-made)
How to Make Canned Soup With Cheese in the Microwave
This isn’t rocket science—it’s easier than teaching my cat to use a laser pointer. Total time: 3 minutes. Yes, really. Just like making a quick meal, you can whip up easy 90 second oat bread in no time. It’s the perfect option for a fast and healthy snack when you’re short on time.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Dump soup into a 16-oz microwave-safe bowl (we use Pyrex)
- Mix in liquid, stir until no clumps remain
- Microwave uncovered 1 minute 30 seconds on high
- Stir, add cheese, microwave 45 seconds more
- Let sit 60 seconds—patience prevents lava mouth
How Long to Microwave for Optimal Flavor
Microwave wattage matters. Ours is 1100W—if yours is weaker (700-900W), add 15-second bursts. Watch for small bubbles around the edges—that’s your “done” signal when melting cheese in the microwave. Overheating (past 2:30 total) can make cheese separate into oily puddles. Not tasty.
| Microwave Wattage | Total Time |
|---|---|
| 700-900W | 2:30-3:00 |
| 1000-1200W | 2:00-2:15 |
Also See: Microwave Bacon Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
Common Mistakes When Microwaving Canned Soup & How to Fix Them
Grainy cheese texture? You used pre-shredded. Fix it by blending in 1 tsp cornstarch slurry (1:1 water + starch) post-microwave. Stir vigorously—it’ll smooth out like butter on a hot skillet.
Soup volcanos? Overfilling the bowl causes eruptions. Use a container twice the soup’s volume. If it bubbles over, pause microwaving and wipe the turntable with a vinegar-dampened cloth—prevents future stench.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk wild upgrades—like adding crispy bacon bits or sriracha swirls. There’s nothing quite like the savory flavor of bacon to elevate your dish! A quick microwave bacon recipe can make preparing those delicious bits easier than ever. Your soup, your rules!
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from safety tips to cheese alternatives—your quick, cheesy microwave canned soup adventure starts now. Whether you’re craving comfort on a busy night or just need a warm pick-me-up, this recipe delivers flavor in minutes.
Got a favorite twist? Swap in smoked gouda, add crispy bacon bits, or throw in some frozen veggies before microwaving. Just remember to stir every 30 seconds to avoid volcanic soup eruptions. Happy microwaving!
