Hearty German Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

What’s Up, Hungry People

These past few months have been a whirlwind of traveling, working (and of course, cooking), so I’m beyond ready to settle in for the winter. To take my mind off the stress of the holiday season, I can crack open a cold one—and pair it alongside a simple yet delectable German Beer Cheese Soup.

Beer cheese soup is probably one of my favorite kinds of soup because, really, when else do you have an excuse to literally eat a bowl full of cheese as a meal?

Not often enough, that’s for sure. Packed full of savory shredded chicken, Hungarian spices, creamy German beer, and, of course, loads of cheese, this hearty soup is one that will fill you to the brim with cheddar-y goodness and warm comfort.

Here’s What You Need

• German beer: Adds depth and a unique flavor base to the soup.
• Chicken breast: Provides protein and texture to the dish.
• American cheese: Melts smoothly for a creamy soup consistency.
• Cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy flavor contrast.
• Onion: Contributes a subtle sweetness when sautéed.
• Flour: Thickens the soup, giving it body and richness.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions, infusing them with flavor.
• Butter: Enhances the richness of the soup base.
• Chicken broth: Adds another layer of flavor and forms the liquid base of the soup.
• Milk: Softens the texture and adds creaminess.
• Hungarian paprika: Provides a sweet and slightly spicy kick.
• Thyme: Adds earthy and floral notes to the flavor profile.
• Sea salt: Enhances overall flavors.
• Chives: Used as a fresh, oniony garnish.
• Pretzels: Serve as a crunchy, salty accompaniment.

Let’s Cook

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. You’ll want to boil the chicken breast in water until it’s thoroughly cooked, which should take about 20 minutes. After it’s cooked, grab a hand mixer or two forks to shred it finely. This is your chance to get out any stress as you shred! Once done, set the chicken aside for later.

Sautéing Onions

Next up, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until it starts shimmering. Toss in the chopped onions and let them sauté until they’re nicely browned.

Making the Roux

Now, add the butter to the pot with your onions. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions. Stir it all together until the onions are well-coated and the mixture turns golden brown. This roux will help thicken your soup.

Combining the Liquids

It’s time to get the liquid in there. Pour in the chicken broth and that tasty German beer. Bring everything to a rolling simmer, stirring continuously until the flour has fully dissolved into the mix. This is the base of your soup, so make sure to stir well to avoid any lumps.

Adding the Cheeses

Lower the heat to medium and start adding the American cheese to the pot, bit by bit. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and blends into the broth. Then, season the soup with Hungarian paprika, thyme, and sea salt. After these are well mixed, whisk in the milk until everything is smooth. Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s completely melted.

Garnish and Serve

Finish off by sprinkling a little paprika and fresh chives on top for that extra touch of flavor and color. Serve your scrumptious soup with a side of hard or soft pretzels and, of course, a glass of your favorite German beer.

Beer Cheese Soup Tips

• Choosing the Right Beer: Opt for a German-style lager or ale that offers a balance of malt and hops. The beer should complement the creamy texture without overwhelming the other flavors. Lighter beers work best as they blend smoothly without making the soup too bitter.
• Melting the Cheese Properly: Add cheese to the soup gradually and stir constantly to avoid clumps. Keep the heat on medium to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom and burning. This ensures a smooth, velvety texture in your soup.
• Thickening the Soup: If your soup is thinner than you like, you can mix a small amount of flour with butter and add it into the soup to thicken it. Be sure to cook the flour out to prevent a raw flour taste.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this soup hot, garnished with chives. For an authentic touch, offer both hard and soft pretzels on the side. You can also pair this soup with a stein of German beer to enhance the dining experience.

As the winter winds howl outside, there’s nothing quite like hunkering down with a bowl of German beer cheese soup to warm the spirits. This recipe brings together a melodic blend of robust flavors, from the heartiness of shredded chicken to the bold tang of German beer and creamy cheeses.

Heritage-Inspired German Chicken with a Honey-Lemon Twist

Delicious Butter Crusted Beer Bread

Easy Hawaiian Pork Loin in a Slow Cooker