Friends! How is it Friday again already? Not that I’m complaining. As soon as holidays start approaching, I feel like the days go by faster! And, with it now getting dark out at 5pm, my days lately just seem to fly.
I don’t know about where you are, but here in Oregon, it’s been COLD. Like single-digits-at-night- barely-making-it-to-30-degrees-during-the-day cold. We’ve also had about 5 or 6 inches of snow. It seems we’ve skipped fall and went straight to winter. I’m really not a fan, I’ve gotta say. We’ve been having a lot of soups and chili lately to help keep us warm. So, it’s only appropriate to share with you our favorite cold weather soup! It’s chalked full with veggies, cheese, and beer; you really can’t go wrong with this recipe. 🙂
This Broccoli Beer Cheese soup is hearty and filling, making it the perfect meal for your family on these sub-zero evenings! The cheddar cheese is the perfect complement to the beer, and the veggies make it a tad healthier. We love having it with warm bread and crackers; and the remaining beer. It’s only necessary.
This recipe makes about 8-10 servings, so we usually freeze the remaining half for another night when I don’t feel like cooking. I can just pull it out the night before, let it thaw, and re-heat! Or, the full amount is perfect for when you have out-of-town company coming over and you need something warm and yummy to feed them!
Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup (Adapted from a Taste of Home cookbook)
Ingredients:
- 3 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 5 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cans chicken broth (14.5 ounces each)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 bottle (12 oz) beer or non-alcoholic beer
Directions:
- In a large saucepan, saute the onions, celery, and carrots in the butter until almost tender.
- Stir in the broth, bell pepper, broccoli, salt and pepper.
- Combine the flour and water in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Stir mixture into the saucepan.
- Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered, for 30-40 minutes or until thickened and all vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cheddar and cream cheese, and beer. Cook until heated through and cheese is all melted, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil!
- Serve in bowls with optional delicious toppings: shredded cheese, crackers, sour cream, bacon, green onions, or croutons!
NOTE: I’ve tried a few different beers for this soup. Budweiser/Bud Light both are good because they’re light. I tried a Pale Ale this last time and it was also good, adding just a tad bit more bitterness. Experiment and see which you like best!
Doesn’t this just look way too good? It is. Instead of buying a single beer for the soup, I always buy a 6-pack. Might as well drink the rest while making eating this soup!
Do you have any favorite soup recipes? I’m always looking for new ideas!
Stay warm, and have a great weekend!
I link up at these fun parties!
I love beer cheese soup! My mom used to make it all the time when we were kids. Good call adding the veggies. I think I’ll give your recipe a try this week. Stopping by from Busy Monday Link Party.
Aimee (The Crazy Craft Lady) recently posted…Winter Ideas House 2014
Thanks, Aimee! It is seriously SO delicious! Perfectly creamy, and filling, too! Let me know how you like it if you make it! Have a great rest of the week! 🙂
That recipe sounds delightful! Too bad my husband isn’t a soup fan. Of course, I could probably make some and then freeze it for me to eat all winter long.
Amy recently posted…Winter Beverages: Irish Coffee
Thank you, Amy! Yes, freeze it all for yourself!! That’s what I would do. Maybe I secretly should, too! 🙂 Have a great day!
It’s been pretty cold here, and it’s perfect weather for soup! This one sounds really good. I love broccoli cheddar soup, and I’m sure the beer adds some great flavor. Thanks for joining us for Hump Day Happenings!
Jenna @ A Savory Feast recently posted…How to Make Fruit Infused Water
Thank you Jenna!! I love broccoli cheddar soup too, and this is a more “grown-up” version if you will! It has great flavor! Hope you have a great day! 🙂
I’ve heard of beer cheese soup, but I’ve never had it. This sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing! I also wanted to remind you of the Found & Foraged linky party this Saturday night (tomorrow) at 8PM (CT). Last week’s debut party was a total success, and we’d love to have you stop by! Kyla @ http://houseofhipsters.com/
Kyla @HouseofHipsters.com recently posted…Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop
Thanks Kyla! It’s SO GOOD! Thanks for the reminder, I’ll make sure to jot it down and check it out! 🙂 Thanks!!
I’m a sucker for potato soup and am constantly trying new recipes. This looks sooo good and my sister would love any soup with beer in it! Thanks so much for linking up at Talented Tuesdays!
~Meaghan
Meaghan recently posted…Thanksgiving Activity Book {free printable!}
Thanks Meaghan! It’s amazing!! Hope you’re staying warm this weekend! 🙂
GIRL you are speaking my language with this soup! Beer + cheese is a Wisconsin girl’s dream come true! My in-laws are coming for an extended Thanksgiving vacation and I have been trying to figure out meals for the rest of the week. I am adding this to the list!! THANK YOU!
Bre @ Average But Inspired recently posted…On Display Thursday (No. 21)
Ha, yay! Thanks, Bre!! I’m not a huge beer fan, but it’s SO good in this soup! You really can’t taste it a ton, but it adds just the right flavor. 🙂 It’ll be perfect for you in-laws! It makes a ton too, so you’ll have plenty! Hope you have a fun week with your family! 🙂
Single digits??? I would need to bathe in this soup. This looks like a perfect weekday meal. Thanks for linking up to On Display Thursday!
Carmody recently posted…Book Page Garland | Holiday Style on a Budget
Ahh I know, right?! It’s barely got into the 20’s today. BRR!! This soup is truly delicious! Have a great week. 🙂