Frugal Gourmet's Beer and Cheese Soup

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, the Frugal Gourmet's Beer and Cheese Soup is a hearty, budget-friendly classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This indulgent recipe combines the rich tang of sharp cheddar with the malty undertones of lager or pale ale, balanced by a medley of sautéed onions, celery, and carrots for a touch of freshness. A velvety roux made from butter and flour creates a luxuriously smooth base, while heavy cream adds extra decadence. Enhanced with a dash of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard for depth, this soup is finished with a sprinkle of paprika and served alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing dish is a must-try for fans of comfort food with a gourmet twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup lager or pale ale beer
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional garnish)
• 4 slices crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the beer and heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, being careful not to let it boil.

Step 6

Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated. Repeat until all the cheese is added.

Step 7

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the soup as is for a chunkier consistency.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2264.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3091.7

Total Fat 210.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 126.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 607.0mg	0%
Sodium 7705.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 179.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.0g	0%
Total Sugars 17.2g
Protein 97.1g	0%

Vitamin D 48.6IU	0%
Calcium 1902.0mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 2091.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.2%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 23.9%