Bavarian Spinach Soup
Creamy Bavarian spinach soup with sharp cheddar, crab, and a splash of beer—rich, comforting, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2 to 3-quart heavy bottom saucepan, combine milk and broth and heat on low heat.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until absorbed.
- Keep warm.
- Don't let it burn. When milk and broth are hot (don't boil) whip in butter and flour mixture.
- Continue to cook at low heat and stir in cheese.
- When cheese is melted, add peppers.
- Squeeze water from spinach and chop.
- Add to soup.
- Add crab meat and continue to cook and stir on low heat, about 12 minutes.
- Just before serving, pour in beer. Taste and season with salt, pepper and Tabasco.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the soup after adding the crab meat. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute half of the cheese with a lower-fat cheese or omit it altogether. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bavarian Spinach Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Ginger-Glazed Chicken Wings for a hearty dinner. For an elegant touch, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the soup from curdling. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bavarian Spinach Soup contains roughly 1072 calories, with 19g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1205mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen. You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Simply wash, chop, and sauté it until wilted before adding it to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the crab meat. You can enhance the flavor by adding extra vegetables or beans for protein.
Can I freeze this soup?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, the texture may change upon thawing due to the dairy and cheese. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cheese and adding it fresh when reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).