Elaine Smith
@smithelaine
Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup
A rich and creamy beer cheese soup that combines the flavors of sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal. This hearty soup is a delightful blend of savory ingredients, making it a favorite for gatherings and chilly evenings.
Details
- Cuisine:american
- Difficulty:hard
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Occasion:super-bowl
- Ingredients:19
- Views:5
Recipe Information
- Prep time25 min.
- Cook time40 min.
- Total time65 min.
- Servings8
Ingredients
- 4 slices, chopped (Optional)
- 1 1/2 cups, diced
- 1 1/2 cups, diced
- 1 1/2 cups, diced
- 2 tablespoons, minced (about 6 cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/4 teaspoon
- 1/4 teaspoon
- 1/3 cup
- 1/3 cup
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle
- 3 cups
- 2 cups
- 1 tablespoon
- 2 teaspoons
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon
- 12 ounces, shredded (about 3 cups)
- for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup.
Step 1
Before diving into the cooking adventure, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth process.
Step 2
In a spacious Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it reaches a crispy perfection, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3
Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful drippings behind in the pot.
Step 4
Next, toss in the diced carrots, onion, and celery into the drippings.
Step 5
Crank up the heat to medium-high and sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they soften, roughly 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 6
Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute while stirring constantly to release those aromatic flavors.
Step 7
Introduce the unsalted butter to the pot, stirring until it melts beautifully.
Step 8
Then, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, cooking and stirring until the mixture turns a light golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Step 9
Pour in the pilsner-style beer, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, which should take around 2 minutes.
Step 10
Now, add the chicken broth and whole milk (or half-and-half) to the pot.
Step 11
Bring this delightful concoction to a boil, then lower the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 12
Cook while stirring occasionally until the soup lightly coats the back of a spoon, approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
Step 13
Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and hot pepper sauce until everything is harmoniously combined.
Step 14
Remove the pot from the heat and gradually fold in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, adding about 1/2 cup at a time and stirring constantly until each addition melts into the creamy goodness before adding more.
Step 15
Serve this comforting soup hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon and a sprinkle of popped popcorn for an unexpected crunch.
Step 16
Enjoy the warmth and richness of this delightful dish, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting night in.