Beer Cheese Soup(Makes 1 Gallon)
Creamy and flavorful beer cheese soup combines rich cheese, smoky bacon, and a hint of spice, perfect for comfort food lovers and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 5 cups of milk in a large pot.
- Hold 1 cup of milk to mix with cornstarch.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco into the milk and stir.
- Fry bacon until crisp and crumble it, then remove from the pan.
- In the bacon drippings, sauté chopped onion until wilted.
- Add chicken base to the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the milk mixture to the pot with the onion and chicken base.
- When the milk begins to steam, mix the reserved milk with cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the milk and stir frequently until thickened.
- Add Cheez Whiz to the thickened mixture, stirring constantly until melted.
- Stir in beer and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a good quality beer that you enjoy drinking. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute half of the Cheez Whiz with a lower-fat cheese option. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor of the bacon. To make it gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beer cheese soup with crusty bread or pretzel bites for dipping. It pairs beautifully with light salads, such as a Light And Hot Chicken Salad, to balance the richness. Garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped chives for a fresh touch, and consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board for a delightful appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the soup from separating. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the desired consistency as it thickens when chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beer Cheese Soup(Makes 1 Gallon) contains roughly 284 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% 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 a different type of cheese instead of Cheez Whiz?
Yes, you can substitute Cheez Whiz with a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a more homemade taste. Just be sure to melt them together thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and chicken base. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken base, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms for a savory depth. You can also enhance flavor with additional spices or herbs.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is thinner than desired, you can mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the simmering soup until it thickens. Alternatively, let the soup simmer longer to reduce and concentrate its flavors.
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).