Recipe

Cheddar and Ale Soup

Recipe Information

Total Time: 

40 minutes

Servings: 

7

This creamy, cheesy soup is made even better with beer. Sharp, mature cheddar is a perfect foil for a flavorful ale, and a garnish of chopped chives adds a fresh note.

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 cups finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces pale ale or lager
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives
  • 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and saute until tender but not brown, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the contents of the pan and stir in with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula to make sure there are no lumps. Stir over medium heat for a couple of minutes to cook the flour. Stir in the Dijon, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth, beer and milk. Stir frequently until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes.
  2. Whisk in the cheese and salt and continue whisking until the cheese is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  3. Serve in bowls, topped with chives and bacon, if using.

Serving Suggestion

Serve a cup of this creamy soup with a crisp salad and some hearty rye bread.

Nutritional Information

368 calories, 26 g. fat, 74 mg. cholesterol, 780 mg. sodium, 19 g. carbohydrate, 1 g. fiber, 13 g. protein