Oksana Chalenko's Creamy Cheese Soup Recipe Wins Hearts This Winter

As the holiday season winds down, Oksana Chalenko of the popular Kukhnya Naiznanku YouTube channel has shared a simple yet comforting soup recipe. The dish, designed to serve three to four people, relies on a creamy milk and cheese base for warmth and richness.

The recipe begins by melting butter in a pan before stirring in flour to form a smooth paste. Warm milk is then gradually whisked in, ensuring a lump-free mixture. Once steaming, processed cheese is added and stirred until fully melted, creating a velvety sauce. Seasoning with salt and black pepper completes the base.

For the garlic croutons, rye bread is cut into small cubes. Vegetable oil is heated in a separate pan, where garlic is briefly fried before being removed. The bread cubes are then fried in the flavoured oil until golden and crisp.

To serve, the hot soup is ladled into bowls and topped with a generous handful of the warm croutons. Chalenko suggests stirring constantly while combining milk and flour to avoid lumps. Optional enhancements include a pinch of nutmeg, a swirl of light cream, or a sprinkle of chopped dill or parsley for extra freshness.

Since sharing this recipe, Chalenko's channel has seen rapid growth, reaching over 2.5 million subscribers by early 2026. Her series now features hundreds of budget-friendly recipes, emphasising quick preparations and ingredient substitutions. Key milestones include brand collaborations in 2023, a cookbook release in 2024, and live cooking events across Russia and Ukraine in 2025.

The recipe offers a quick, hearty meal with minimal ingredients. Its popularity reflects a broader trend toward accessible, time-saving dishes. Chalenko's expanding platform continues to provide practical solutions for home cooks.