Description
This rich and decadent Beer Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses are simmered in a flavorful beer broth, creating a creamy and satisfying soup. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon, divided
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces beer (malt beer recommended)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside on paper towels to cool. Once cooled, chop the bacon into coarse bits, reserving 3-4 tablespoons for garnish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Remove all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the pot. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until tender and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Roux: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add Beer and Seasoning: Pour in the beer, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and most of the chopped bacon (reserve some for garnish). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove the pot from heat.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon bits and sliced green onions.
Notes
- You can use any type of beer you like, but a malt beer or amber ale is recommended for the best flavor.
- For a thicker soup, simmer for a few minutes longer.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, you can use another type of melting cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Swiss.
- Make sure to add the cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
