Beer Cheese Soup

How to Make Beer Cheese Soup

Tap a step to highlight it, or turn on Cook Mode for large type and step-by-step focus.

1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat, add the onion, celery and carrot, and cook for 8 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

2. Stir in the flour and mustard powder and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the mixture smells nutty.

   Mark done Start 2 min timer

3. Whisk in the beer a little at a time and simmer for 3 minutes, until thick.

   Mark done Start 3 min timer

4. Add the stock and simmer for 10 minutes, then blend about half of the soup with a stick blender, leaving some texture.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

5. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the milk, and add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition has melted. Do not let the soup boil.

   Mark done

6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt and cayenne, taste, and serve topped with the chives and croutons.

   Mark done

Tips for Making Beer Cheese Soup

• Grate the cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch and makes a grainy soup.
• Add the cheese over low heat and never let the soup boil. High heat splits the cheese into strings and oil.
• Choose a mild lager or pale ale. A very hoppy beer turns bitter when it is reduced, and a light beer leaves the cheese flavour in front.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.
• Vegetable stock in place of the chicken stock makes this meat-free without changing the method, if that is what you need.

What to Serve with Beer Cheese Soup

• Soft pretzels
• Crusty rye bread
• Crisp apple slices

Storing & Reheating Beer Cheese Soup

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring, with a splash of milk if it has thickened, and do not boil. Not suitable for freezing, since the cheese can separate.

Beer Cheese Soup FAQ: Common Questions

Beer Cheese Soup Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.