30-Minute German Beer Cheese Soup – Ultra Creamy Cheddar Soup (Stovetop)
Warm up on chilly days with this rich and creamy German Beer Cheese Soup, featuring sharp cheddar cheese and authentic German beer. This hearty, velvety soup provides a perfect blend of savory flavors and comforting textures for a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 carrot – finely chopped
- 1 large yellow onion – diced
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Liquids & Flavoring
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 16 ounces German beer
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or stone-ground mustard
Cheese
- 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese – shredded
Seasonings
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped carrot, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flour turns a golden brown, which helps develop a nutty base for the soup.
- Add Dairy: Combine the milk and half-and-half in a separate container. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot while whisking constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Incorporate Beer and Mustard: Increase heat to medium-high, then add the German beer and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently to reduce foam and blend flavors smoothly.
- Simmer to Thicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens nicely.
- Finish with Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and gradually whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, adding it handful by handful for a velvety texture. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Store the German Beer Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing is not recommended as the dairy can separate and result in a grainy texture.
- Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain creamy consistency. Avoid high heat or boiling to prevent cheese separation.