Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite cozy dishes: Beer Cheese Soup! Picture this: a chilly evening, a warm bowl in your hands, and the delightful aroma of melted cheese and savory beer wafting through the air. This soup is like a warm hug on a cold day, and I can’t help but smile every time I whip it up.
I first stumbled upon this gem while visiting a little pub in Wisconsin with my friends. They served the heartiest bowl of Beer Cheese Soup, and I was hooked! The creamy texture and rich flavor made it unforgettable. Nowadays, it has become a staple in my kitchen, and I often experiment with various beers to find that perfect match. I can’t wait for you to try it too!
What’s in Beer Cheese Soup?
Let’s break down the magical ingredients that make this soup so terrific:
Unsalted Butter: The base of the soup, butter adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. I prefer unsalted so that I can control the saltiness later.
Onion: A medium onion brings sweetness and depth to the soup. Don’t skip this; it’s the flavor foundation!
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It infuses the soup with warmth and a lovely aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: This is what thickens our soup just right. It creates a roux that forms the creamy base.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: I like using low-sodium broth for more flavor control. You can use chicken for a deeper taste or vegetable for a lighter, vegetarian version.
Beer: A good lager or ale is key! The type of beer will influence the flavor of the soup, so pick one you love to drink.
Heavy Cream: This is where we get the silky texture. It makes everything rich and creamy, and trust me, it’s worth it!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Use shredded sharp cheddar for that bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the beer.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a hint of tanginess and perfectly complements the cheese.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds a complex umami flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning – don’t be shy!
Green Onions: For garnish, these add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon – because everything is better with bacon, right?
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A dash of this brings that extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Bread: Perfect for dipping, because who could resist?
Is Beer Cheese Soup Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about whether this soup is the best option for your diet. While it’s undeniably delicious, it’s also quite indulgent.
Heavy Cream and Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a creamy, rich texture that’s hard to resist, but they do bring in fats and calories. Enjoy in moderation, especially if you have specific dietary needs.
On the flip side, the inclusion of onions, garlic, and green onions offers health benefits, like antioxidants and numerous vitamins. Adding bacon boosts flavor but can increase the fat content, so feel free to use turkey bacon or leave it out for a healthier version!
The beer in this recipe contributes to its unique taste, and while it does contain alcohol, remember to cook it down to evaporate most of the alcohol content.
Overall, Beer Cheese Soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that you can savor as an occasional treat!
Ingredients
To make my cozy Beer Cheese Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients (serves about 4-6):
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup beer (preferably a lager or ale)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (for garnish)
– Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
– Bread (for serving)
How to Make Beer Cheese Soup?
Ready to whip this up? Let’s get cooking!
1. Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s all melted and bubbly, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens and gets a bit translucent.
2. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that garlicky goodness wafting through your kitchen.
3. Time to sprinkle in the flour! Stir it into the onion and garlic mix, and keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes. This will create a lovely roux.
4. Next, gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking to combine and prevent lumps from forming. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
5. Now, stir in the beer and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, letting it thicken up just a bit.
6. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
7. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like things spicier, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes!
8. Serve the soup hot, garnishing with sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, and maybe even a sprinkle more cheese. Don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread for dipping!
Serving Suggestions and Variations!
This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can play around with different types of cheese (like pepper jack for a spicy kick) or try adding veggies like roasted poblano peppers for added flavor.
If you’re watching your calories a bit more, feel free to reduce the heavy cream or swap it with half-and-half. You can even make it completely vegetarian by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth!
As for serving, a light salad on the side balances the richness of the soup nicely. And if you’re feeling festive, why not serve it alongside a particular beer used in the soup?
Trust me; once you try this Beer Cheese Soup, it’s going to become a staple in your home as much as it is in mine. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! So grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking!
