Description
A rich and creamy Beer Cheese Soup featuring melted sharp and white cheddar cheeses, beer, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, finished with a hint of Worcestershire and hot sauce, and garnished uniquely with popcorn for an irresistible flavor and texture combination.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- ¾ cup diced carrots
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer (Fat Tire recommended)
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 cup milk
Cheeses
- 7 ounces grated white Cheddar cheese (Kerrygold recommended)
- 8 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Others
- â…” cup flour
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Popcorn, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced carrots, onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Liquids: Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually add the chicken broth, beer, half and half, and milk while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to thicken the soup.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually add the grated white Cheddar and sharp Cheddar cheeses by the cup, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without clumps.
- Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce dashes, and dry mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the balance of flavors as desired.
- Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully blended.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup immediately, garnishing each bowl with popcorn to add a playful crunch and complement the cheesy flavors.
Notes
- Fat Tire beer is recommended for its complementary flavor, but any mild amber ale or lager can be substituted.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or increase the flour by one tablespoon.
- Popcorn garnish is optional but adds a unique, fun texture contrast.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity based on desired spice level.
