Beer Cheese Soup with Soft Pretzels is a match made in heaven. This creamy, cheesy soup pairs perfectly with homemade soft pretzels for a comforting and delicious meal.
Hello, friend! Get ready for a cozy and satisfying experience with this Beer Cheese Soup and Soft Pretzels recipe. This isn’t just any soup and bread combo; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, a symphony of flavors and textures that’ll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
The rich, creamy beer cheese soup pairs perfectly with the chewy, salty soft pretzels. This dynamic duo is the perfect comfort food for a relaxing night in or a fun gathering with friends.
Let’s get cooking and warm our hearts and tummies with this delightful pairing!
Utensils You Need:
Gather these tools to prepare this tasty duo:
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
The Recipe
Beer Cheese Soup with Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces beer (light or amber ale works well)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the pretzels: (See Soft Pretzel Recipe)
For the pretzels: (See Soft Pretzel Recipe)
Instructions
- In the large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add butter and melt. Then, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in beer, then chicken broth and milk/cream.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the soft pretzels according to the recipe.
- Serve the warm beer cheese soup with freshly baked soft pretzels.
Notes
- If you don’t have bacon, you can use 2 tablespoons of butter instead.
- You can use any type of beer you like, but a light or amber ale will give the soup a subtle flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
>>> See Soft Pretzels Recipe HERE <<<
Cook method: Stovetop, Baking (for pretzels)
Season: Fall, Winter
Alternative Ingredients:
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Bacon | Smoked sausage or ham |
| Cheddar | Gruyère or smoked Gouda |
| Milk/cream | Half-and-half or non-dairy milk |
What to Serve with Beer Cheese Soup with Soft Pretzels:
You can pair this delicious duo with the following:
- A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the soup and pretzels.
- Apple slices or grapes for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese that melt well, such as Gruyère, fontina, or even a mix of cheeses.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
Can I freeze the soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze the soup, as the cheese may separate when thawed.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, you can use non-alcoholic beer, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots or celery.
