Table of Contents: Beer Cheese Soup

Beer Cheese Soup

Remember those chilly evenings at your favorite pub, a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness hitting the spot? Well, you don’t need to go out to enjoy that comforting feeling! This Beer Cheese Soup recipe brings all the flavors of a classic pub staple right to your kitchen.

It’s the perfect antidote to a cold day, a delightful addition to holiday gatherings, or simply a satisfying meal for a relaxed weeknight. We’ll show you how to create a truly exceptional cheese soup that will become a family favorite.

This isn’t just any beer cheese soup; it’s a carefully crafted recipe designed for maximum flavor and creamy texture. We’re building layers of taste, starting with a flavorful base of bacon, shallots, celery, and carrots, then enriching it with a robust beer, a touch of spice, and, of course, plenty of sharp cheddar.

It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving something hearty, this soup delivers.

This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It’s a dish that evokes memories and creates new ones, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this recipe referred to as Pub Style Cheese Soup, Cheddar Beer Soup, or even Bavarian Beer Cheese Soup. While the core elements remain the same – beer, cheese, and a creamy base – variations abound.

Some recipes incorporate different types of beer, like a stout for a richer flavor, or add vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for extra heartiness. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. This is a fantastic base recipe to customize and make your own signature cheese soup.

Ingredients: Beer Cheese Soup

* 4 slices thick-cut bacon
* 2 T. butter
* 1 Melissa’s shallot, diced
* 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
* 1 carrot, finely chopped
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* ¼ c. flour
* 1 t. dry mustard
* 12 oz. beer (see FAQs for recommendations)
* 1 c. chicken broth
* 1 c. heavy cream
* 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
* 1 bay leaf
* ¼ t. smoked paprika
* ½ t. fresh thyme leaves or ¼ t. dried
* 6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the butter to the reserved bacon fat in the pot. Once melted, add the shallot, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup. Chef’s Tip: Don’t let the roux burn! Keep stirring to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth texture.
4. Deglaze with Beer: Slowly pour in the beer, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the beer to reduce slightly. How do you make beer cheese soup without a grainy texture? This step is crucial!

5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf, smoked paprika, and thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add 5 ounces of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. What cheeses are used in beer cheese soup? While cheddar is classic, a blend can add complexity.
7. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Do not boil.

8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Beer Cheese Soup into bowls and garnish with the crumbled cooked bacon and the remaining 1 ounce of shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe takes approximately 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time, for a total time of 50 minutes. It yields about 4 servings. Approximate calories per serving are around 350-400 (depending on the beer and cheese used).

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Beer Cheese Soup recipe works because it focuses on building flavor in layers. Starting with the bacon and vegetables creates a savory base that complements the beer and cheese beautifully. The roux ensures a creamy, smooth texture, and the addition of dry mustard and Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami.

For an extra smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend it before adding the cream. This is especially helpful if you prefer a less chunky consistency. This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beer to find your perfect flavor profile.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover Beer Cheese Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: While freezing is possible, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cheese to separate. This makes it a great pub food option to prep ahead!

People Also Ask: Beer Cheese Soup

What kind of beer is best for beer cheese soup?

The best beer for Beer Cheese Soup depends on your preference! Lighter lagers like Pilsner or a blonde ale will provide a subtle beer flavor that won’t overpower the cheese. For a more robust and complex flavor, try an amber ale or a brown ale. Avoid using overly hoppy IPAs, as the bitterness can clash with the cheese.

Experimenting is key – find a beer you enjoy drinking, as that flavor will come through in the soup. Many people also use a non-alcoholic beer for a similar flavor profile.

What cheeses are used in beer cheese soup?

While sharp cheddar is the star of most Beer Cheese Soup recipes, you can definitely incorporate other cheeses for added flavor. Monterey Jack adds a lovely creaminess, while Gruyère or Swiss cheese contribute a nutty complexity.

A small amount of Velveeta can also help create an ultra-smooth texture, but it’s not essential. The key is to use cheeses that melt well and complement the beer’s flavor. Don’t be afraid to blend a few different varieties to create your perfect cheese soup!

How do you make beer cheese soup?

Making Beer Cheese Soup is surprisingly straightforward! The basic process involves sautéing vegetables, creating a roux, deglazing with beer, adding broth and seasonings, and then melting in the cheese. The most important tip is to add the cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent it from clumping.

A good quality roux is also essential for a creamy, smooth texture. Follow the steps in this recipe, and you’ll have a delicious bowl of comfort food in no time.

Can I make this soup without alcohol?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to omit the alcohol, you can substitute the beer with an equal amount of non-alcoholic beer or chicken broth. Using non-alcoholic beer will provide a similar malty flavor, while chicken broth will result in a slightly less complex but still delicious cheese soup. You may want to add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the broth to mimic the slight acidity of the beer.

Conclusion: Beer Cheese Soup

There you have it – a truly satisfying and flavorful Beer Cheese Soup recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; the process is simple and the results are well worth the effort.

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with us! Let us know in the comments what kind of beer you used and how you customized the soup to your liking. Happy cooking, and enjoy this warm and comforting bowl of goodness!