Stateside Cheddar Soup
A rich, creamy cheddar soup with a subtle beer flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings. Bold cheeses and gentle spices create a comforting, indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely diced leeks (white part only) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 4 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) bottle light beer ⓘ
- 1 lb. Vermont white Cheddar, shredded ⓘ
- 1 lb. New York State orange Cheddar, shredded ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- salt to taste ⓘ
- fresh chives, snipped ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a heavy soup pot.
- Add celery, leeks, and carrots; cook over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add flour and cook, stirring, over low heat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add beef broth and beer to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer very slowly so the vegetables become tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Over low heat, gradually add shredded cheeses, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Season with cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Continue cooking over low heat until heated through, but do not boil.
- Serve in mugs and garnish with snipped chives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream at the end. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the light beer with a non-alcoholic beer or additional broth. Using a mix of different cheese varieties can enhance the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment with other aged cheeses. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup in mugs for a cozy presentation, garnished with fresh chives. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside American recipes like Meat And Veggie Balls for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. If the soup thickens, you can thin it out with a bit of additional broth or water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stateside Cheddar Soup contains roughly 752 calories, with 36g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (580% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (128% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2295mg per serving (100% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the Vermont white Cheddar and New York State orange Cheddar with any sharp or medium Cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary according to the cheese used, so choose one that you enjoy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the beer or use a non-alcoholic version. You might also want to add some extra vegetables for depth of flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Adjust the spice level according to your preference, tasting as you go to ensure it meets your desired heat.
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).