Beer Cheese Soup with Jalapeños
Ingredients
- ½ lbbacon
cut into ½ inch pieces
- 1 cwhite onion
finely chopped
- ½ cjalapeño
seeded and membranes removed
- 1 tbspgarlic
minced or pressed
- 1 tspdried thyme
- ½ tspsmoked paprika
- 4 tbspunsalted butter
- 4 tbspall-purpose flour
- 12 ozbeer
- 2 clow-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cheavy cream
- 8 ozsharp cheddar cheese
shredded
- 4 ozpepper jack
shredded
- to tastesalt and pepper
Directions
- 1
Heat a large soup pot or saucepan over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Drain all by 2 to 3 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pan.
- 2
Add the onion and jalapeno. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften. Next, add the garlic, thyme, and paprika. Continue to cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low, and add the butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Continue to stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the flour is incorporated. Pour in the beer, and stir until combined. Increase the heat slightly to low - medium, but do not boil.
- 4
After the beer thickens, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. When the liquid begins to steam slightly, add the cheese a little at a time, stirring between each additional. Once all the cheese is added, add half of the cooked bacon, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to stir until over low heat until the soup reaches the desired thickness.
- 5
Garnish with the remaining bacon, croutons, chives, green onions, parsley, or chopped jalapeno.
- 6
See post for storage options.
Beer Cheese Soup with Jalapeños
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About this Recipe
Craving a bowl of rich, comforting soup with a savory kick? This Beer Cheese Soup with Jalapeños recipe delivers robust flavors perfect for a cozy evening, bringing that pub-favorite taste right to your kitchen. It’s a hearty dish that genuinely satisfies.
What makes this recipe truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients: a good pale ale forms the backbone, complementing the sharp cheddar and spicy pepper jack cheeses. Layering in crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and the subtle warmth of smoked paprika elevates the depth, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor that’s far from ordinary.
Expect a luxuriously thick and creamy soup, deeply savory with a delightful balance of cheesy richness and a gentle, building heat from the jalapeños and pepper jack. The beer adds a nuanced complexity rather than an overwhelming hoppy taste, creating an inviting warmth. You’ll find it incredibly satisfying, a perfect antidote to chilly weather.
Feel free to customize this savory soup to your liking. If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit the pepper jack, opting for all sharp cheddar. For a different twist, you could try substituting the bacon with smoked sausage for another layer of smoky flavor. Alternatively, use a non-alcoholic beer to maintain the distinct flavor profile without the alcohol.
This Beer Cheese Soup with Jalapeños is excellent served as a comforting meal on its own, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s also a fantastic addition to a casual gathering or game day, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.