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15 Minute Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

4.5 from 141 reviews

This 15 Minute Beer Cheese Soup is a quick and comforting dish that combines sharp cheddar cheese with pale ale beer for a rich, creamy flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy snack, it features a simple roux base with onions, flour, and vegetable stock, finished with melted cheese and beer for a delicious twist. Garnish with crumbled feta and serve with crusty bread for a satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1¾ cups low-sodium vegetable stock
  • 1 cup milk, room temperature
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Soup Ingredients

  • 15 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 ounces pale ale beer (½ bottle)

Optional Garnishes and Serving

  • Crumbled feta cheese, for garnish (optional)
  • Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Sauté Onion: In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously to create a smooth paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  3. Add Liquid Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the low-sodium vegetable stock and room temperature milk, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk to prevent sticking or lumps.
  4. Season the Soup: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the soup cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  5. Add Cheese and Beer: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Then, pour in the pale ale beer, stirring well to combine all flavors evenly.
  6. Final Simmer and Adjust Seasoning: Allow the soup to warm through for an additional 2 minutes without boiling to preserve the beer’s flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use a good quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and smooth melt.
  • Choose a mild pale ale beer to avoid overpowering the soup’s taste.
  • Room temperature milk helps prevent curdling when added to the hot roux.
  • For a richer soup, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
  • This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of stock or cook the soup a bit longer to thicken.

Keywords: beer cheese soup, quick soup recipe, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup, beer soup, creamy soup