Cheese and Beer Soup

Cheese and Beer Soup Recipe - Bacon, Bell Pepper, and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cheese and beer soup is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese with the subtle bitterness of beer. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.

History

Cheese and beer soup has its origins in European cuisine, particularly in countries like Germany and Switzerland where beer and cheese are popular ingredients in many dishes. The combination of cheese and beer creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 cup finely chopped bacon
0.5 green bell pepper, finely chopped
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
0.67 cup flour
1 stick of butter
3 qt (2.84 liter) milk
1 pimento, drained and chopped
1 cup chicken bouillon
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1.5 lb (680 g) grated cheddar cheese
0.5 lb (227 g) grated provolone cheese
0.5 cup beer
0.25 cup chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Cook the bacon until it is crisp, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In about 0.75 tsp (2 oz or 57 g) of the bacon drippings, sauté the bell pepper, onion, and celery.
Make a roux by combining flour and butter over a low heat on the stove.
Once it starts to brown, slowly add the milk while continuously stirring.
Add the mixture of sautéed vegetables, bacon, pimento, bouillon, and garlic powder.
Heat the mixture over medium heat.
When the milk mixture reaches a medium temperature, add the cheeses and stir until they are fully melted.
Add beer to the soup.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Just before removing the soup from the stove, mix in the parsley for added color.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
This soup can be frozen for later use.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or ham for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Add vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a crunchy texture to the soup.

- When making the roux, be sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Use a good quality beer for the best flavor in the soup.

- Adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cheese and beer soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir constantly when making the roux to prevent burning.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian option.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the cheese and beer soup with a crisp green salad and a glass of beer or wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

480 per serving

Carbohydrates

23g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 32g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 18g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 26g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 25% of daily value per serving

- Calcium: 60% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy and gluten

Summary

This cheese and beer soup is high in protein and calcium, but also high in fat and calories. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cheese and beer soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich and creamy texture, this soup is sure to be a hit with cheese lovers everywhere. Enjoy this delicious soup with your favorite bread or salad for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Cheese and Beer Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a faded handwritten note fluttered out and landed on the kitchen counter. It was a recipe for Cheese and Beer Soup, written in my grandmother's elegant script.

I had never heard of such a thing before, but the combination of cheese and beer intrigued me. I decided to give it a try, and that decision would forever change my culinary repertoire. I gathered the ingredients together – sharp cheddar cheese, butter, onions, flour, chicken broth, beer, and a touch of mustard and Worcestershire sauce – and set to work in the kitchen.

As I chopped the onions and grated the cheese, the fragrant aroma of the soup began to fill the kitchen. The cheese melted into the broth, creating a rich and velvety texture. I added a splash of beer, and the soup took on a deep, complex flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of the soup, I was transported back in time to my grandmother's kitchen. I could almost hear her gentle voice guiding me through the recipe, her hands deftly stirring the pot as she shared stories of her own culinary adventures. I realized then that this recipe was not just a delicious soup, but a connection to my past and a tribute to the generations of women who had passed down their love of cooking to me.

Over the years, I have made this Cheese and Beer Soup countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experiment with new cheeses and beers. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all marveled at its unique and comforting flavor. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to recipe for cold winter nights or lazy Sunday afternoons.

I have learned that cooking is more than just following a recipe – it is a way to connect with the past, to create something delicious and nourishing for those we love. My grandmother's recipe for Cheese and Beer Soup has become a part of my culinary legacy, a reminder of the joy and warmth that a simple bowl of soup can bring.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Cheese and Beer Soup on a chilly autumn day, I am filled with gratitude for the women who came before me and shared their love of cooking. I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will find joy in this recipe, and pass it down to future generations as a reminder of the simple pleasures of a homemade meal. For now, I will savor each spoonful of soup, knowing that it is so much more than just a dish – it is a connection to my past and a celebration of the love that has been passed down through the ages.