Beer Cheese soup

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2

Stir in the flour and cook until thick and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 40 to 45 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, discarding vegetables.

Step 3

Return stock mixture back to the Dutch oven and return to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Add the beer, followed by the cream cheese and handfuls of cheddar, whisking constantly until the cream cheese is smooth and the cheddar is melted. Make sure the mixture never comes to a boil; boiling will cause the cheese to separate.

Step 4

Stir in the milk, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce and bring back to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with toasted pretzel bread and additional shredded cheese, if desired.

Step 5

To make the soup in advance, cook through the steps making the vegetables, roux, and stock. Strain the vegetables out and refrigerate. When ready to finish, bring to a simmer and continue adding the beer and cheese, followed by the remaining steps.