Description
A thick, creamy, and savory beer cheese soup made with pantry staples like butter, flour, cheap lager, and sharp cheddar. This budget-friendly recipe is ready in 20 minutes and serves as a hearty, comforting meal for one or two people.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (32g) all-purpose flour
- 12 oz (355ml) light lager or pilsner
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1.5 cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup (30g) stale bread, cubed and toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the beer while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 1 minute until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low. Add garlic powder and salt. Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each handful is fully melted before adding the next.
- Toast bread cubes in a dry pan until golden brown. Stir the toasted bread into the soup and let sit for 1 minute to soften slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Always shred cheese from a block yourself; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Add cheese on low heat to prevent graininess. Do not boil the milk after adding it. This soup does not freeze well due to the dairy; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: beer cheese soup, budget meals, one person meal, Oktoberfest soup, cheap dinner, comfort food, quick soup, cheddar soup