Irish Beer Cheese Soup
Cozy Up with Creamy Irish Beer Cheese Soup
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening? This Creamy Irish Beer Cheese Soup takes that comfort to a whole new level! It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. We’ve taken the best of Irish flavors – hearty beer, sharp cheese, and simple ingredients – and blended them into a soup that’s perfect as an appetizer or a light dinner. Forget complicated recipes; this one comes together in just 20 minutes!
This isn’t your average beer cheese soup. Using Irish beer and, crucially, Irish cheese (Dubliner, Irish Cheddar, or Skellig are all fantastic choices) gives it a unique depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. The beer adds a subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the cheese, while the cheese itself provides a creamy texture and a delightful tang.
What makes this soup special?
- Authentic Irish Flavors: We’re using real Irish beer and cheese to create a truly authentic taste.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer with crusty bread, or as a light and satisfying dinner.
- Customizable: Feel free to add a kick with a dash of hot sauce, or garnish with crispy bacon and fresh chives.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Cheese Choice: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Irish cheeses! Each one will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.
- Pureeing the Onions: Pureeing the onions creates a beautifully smooth and creamy base for the soup. Don’t skip this step!
- Low and Slow: Whisking the soup for about 10 minutes ensures that the cheese melts completely and the soup thickens to the perfect consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of beer? While we highly recommend an Irish Lager for the authentic flavor, you can substitute with another light-bodied lager if needed.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can! The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
- Is this soup gluten-free? Most beers contain gluten. Check the label of your chosen beer to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
- What’s the best way to serve this soup? Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or garnish with crispy bacon, chopped chives, or a swirl of cream.
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese? While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which can affect the smoothness of the soup. Shredding your own cheese is recommended for the best results.
So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and comforting bowl of Creamy Irish Beer Cheese Soup! It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day and experience the flavors of Ireland.
Creamy Irish Beer Cheese Soup
Ingredients
- 1 large onion peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon butter or bacon grease
- 2 12 ounce bottles Harp Irish Style Lager
- 32 ounce chicken broth
- 14 ounce Irish cheese shredded (Dubliner, Irish Cheddar, Skellig, etc.)
- 14 ounce low fat cream cheese cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrow root powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Set a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add the butter, onions, and garlic, and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
- Scoop the softened onions into the food processor (or blender) and add one cup chicken broth. Puree the onions and broth until completely smooth.
- Pour the onion mixture back into the sauce pot, and add the remaining broth and both bottles of beer. Bring to a boil.
- Toss the shredded Irish cheese with corn starch. Add the shredded cheese, cream cheese, and dijon mustard to the broth. Whisk to melt the cheese and break up the cream cheese cubes.
- Whisk until the soup is completely smooth and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve as-is, or garnish with bacon and chive if desired.
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