Description
Rich and creamy beer cheese soup made with sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and a hint of beer for deep flavor. A cozy, comforting soup perfect for chilly days!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (mild ale or lager)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Croutons or crispy bacon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add Liquid: Gradually pour in the beer while stirring, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a countertop blender in batches) to blend until smooth.
- Incorporate Dairy & Seasonings: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar and Gruyere, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with croutons, crispy bacon, or extra shredded cheese.
Notes
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar and Gruyere for smoked gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian Worcestershire substitute.
- Spicy: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicker Texture: Stir in mashed potatoes for added richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beer cheese soup, cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe