Description
This Ultimate Beer Cheese Soup combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful blend of beer and spices to create a rich and comforting dish perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 4 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup scallions (chopped)
Dairy & Liquids
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 12 ounces beer (your choice, see note)
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
Dry & Spices
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar (grated)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon strips into small pieces using kitchen shears. Add them to a soup pot and cook over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and celery to the bacon fat in the pot. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes, until they become softened and lightly browned, which enhances their flavor.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Incorporate the butter and minced garlic into the pot. Stir to melt the butter and infuse the mixture with the garlic aroma.
- Make the Roux: Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a roux for thickening.
- Add Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the flour fully dissolves and the mixture remains smooth without lumps.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the beer, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and half of the cooked bacon. Stir everything together evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and allow it to thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove the soup from heat. Gradually stir in the grated sharp cheddar until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining crispy bacon pieces and chopped scallions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose a beer with good flavor but not too bitter; a lager or pale ale works well.
- For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a bit longer.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy taste and melting quality.
