Andy Montoya
Beer cheese soup is a hearty, flavourful dish that combines the sharp taste of cheddar with the tang of beer. It's a comforting meal perfect for cold winter days, but is it good for your health? The soup is cooked with alcohol, which some may believe to be unhealthy. However, cooking with alcohol evaporates most of it, leaving only the flavour behind. This means that while you get to enjoy the taste of beer, you don't consume a significant amount that could be harmful. In terms of nutrition, the soup offers a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese, and the vegetables added provide vitamins and minerals. The butter and cream used in the soup contribute to a high-fat content, which may be a concern for those watching their cholesterol levels or calorie intake. Overall, beer cheese soup can be enjoyed as a comforting, indulgent treat, but like with everything, moderation is key.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | One recipe estimates 3358.25 calories per serving, which is roughly equivalent to 6 McDonald's Big Macs. |
| Alcohol Content | The alcohol content is likely to be cooked out of the soup, and there wouldn't be enough beer in a serving to cause harm. |
| Nutritional Information | Nutritional information is not readily available for beer cheese soup. |
| Serving Size | Recipes vary, but a typical serving size is around 4 portions. |
| Flavor | Beer cheese soup is described as having a tangy, rich flavor. It is considered comfort food and is best suited for autumn and winter. |
| Toppings | Popular toppings include bacon, green onions, chives, extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a drizzle of hot sauce. |
| Storage | Beer cheese soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Beer Cheese Soup is high in calories
Beer cheese soup is a delicious comfort food, but it is important to be aware that it is high in calories. While the exact calorie count will vary depending on the recipe and serving size, one recipe estimates the total calories in a batch of soup to be 13443, or 3358.25 per serving. This is roughly equivalent to six McDonald's Big Macs.
The high-calorie count of beer cheese soup can be attributed to its indulgent ingredients, such as butter, cream, cheese, and bacon. While these ingredients contribute to the soup's rich and creamy flavour, they also make it a calorie-dense dish.
For those watching their calorie intake, it is possible to make lower-calorie versions of beer cheese soup by substituting some of the ingredients. For example, whole milk can be used instead of cream, and chicken broth can be used in place of some of the butter. Non-alcoholic beer can also be used, or it can be substituted with extra broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic the tangy flavour of beer.
Additionally, it is important to remember that beer cheese soup is typically served in large portions, which can contribute to its high-calorie content. To reduce calorie intake, consider serving smaller portions or sharing with others.
While beer cheese soup may not be the best choice for those on a calorie-restricted diet, it can still be enjoyed as an occasional treat. When consumed in moderation, it can be a delicious and indulgent experience.
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It's safe to eat due to alcohol evaporation during cooking
Beer cheese soup is a flavourful, indulgent, and comforting dish. However, it is calorie-dense and contains alcohol, which raises the question of whether it is safe to consume.
The alcohol in beer evaporates quickly when boiled, turning into vapour before the water does. This means that by the time the beer in the soup is boiled, most of the alcohol will have evaporated, making it safe to consume for those concerned about alcohol content.
The process of boiling beer also causes a Maillard reaction, resulting in a more bready or cracker-like flavour. Additionally, the beer becomes thicker due to evaporation, and the bitterness becomes more concentrated as the water evaporates while the bitter compounds remain.
While the alcohol content may not be a cause for concern, it is important to consider the high-calorie content of beer cheese soup, which can be attributed to the generous amounts of butter, cream, and cheese used in the recipe. Therefore, while the soup may be safe to eat due to the evaporation of alcohol during cooking, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
To reduce the calorie content, some cooks substitute whole milk for cream or use non-alcoholic beer without sacrificing too much flavour.
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It's a riff on Beer Cheese Dip
Beer cheese soup is a riff on beer cheese dip, a popular snack in the US, particularly in Wisconsin. It is a creamy, indulgent, cheesy soup made with sharp cheddar, beer, butter, flour, broth, and seasonings. Bacon, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce are often added for extra depth of flavour. It is typically served with a bacon and onion garnish, and toppings such as green onions, chives, extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
The soup is cooked by first frying bacon and onions, then adding vegetables such as carrots, peppers, and celery, and seasonings such as garlic, salt, and pepper. Flour is then added to create a roux, followed by liquid ingredients such as beer, stock, cream, and milk. Finally, cheese is added and stirred through until melted.
The type of beer used can vary depending on preference. A lager or light lager will give a subtle and mild beer flavour, while darker beers can alter the flavour profile and appearance of the soup. It is recommended to avoid beers with high levels of hops, as these can make the soup bitter.
Beer cheese soup is a comforting and indulgent dish, perfect for autumn and winter. It is a celebration of cheese and is best served with crusty bread or, for a more indulgent option, a bread bowl.
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It's a comfort food
Beer cheese soup is a comfort food that is perfect for cold weather. It is a hearty and indulgent dish, with a tangy, rich flavour. The soup is made with a combination of cheeses, butter, vegetables, and of course, beer. The beer adds a subtle and mild flavour to the soup, and darker beers can alter the flavour profile and appearance. It is a versatile dish that can be made with different types of beer and cheese to suit individual tastes.
The process of making beer cheese soup involves cooking bacon and vegetables in a large pot, then adding flour and butter to create a roux. The beer is then added and mixed until combined. Finally, the cheese is added in handfuls and stirred until melted and combined. The soup can be served with various toppings such as crispy bacon, green onions, chives, extra shredded cheese, or croutons. It is often served in a bread bowl, which adds to the comfort and indulgence of the dish.
While beer cheese soup is a delicious and comforting dish, it is important to note that it is high in calories and fat. Some people choose to make healthier variations by substituting whole milk for cream or using non-alcoholic beer. However, these substitutions may impact the flavour and indulgent nature of the dish.
Beer cheese soup is a perfect comfort food for those who enjoy the combination of cheese and beer. It is a hearty and flavourful dish that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high-calorie content. This soup is a celebration of cheese and beer, and its versatility allows individuals to customise it to their taste preferences.
Overall, beer cheese soup is a delicious and indulgent comfort food that is perfect for warming up during cold autumn and winter months. It is a versatile dish that can be customised to suit different taste preferences, making it a popular choice for those seeking a hearty and flavourful meal.
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It's best made with lager beer
Beer cheese soup is a delicious, indulgent comfort food. It is a riff on beer cheese dip, typically made with a variety of cheeses, bacon, vegetables, and of course, beer. While the soup can be made with any kind of beer, it's best made with lager beer.
Lager beer gives the soup a subtle and mild beer flavor. The star of the show in beer cheese soup is the cheese, and a lager beer provides the perfect amount of flavour without overpowering the dish. Darker beers, on the other hand, can alter the flavour profile and appearance of the soup. They can add too much flavour, taking away from the cheese and other ingredients.
A pilsner, a type of lager, is a good choice for beer cheese soup as it is light in colour and won't overpower the other flavours. A basic lager, such as Yuengling, is also a great option and is known to make a fantastic beer cheese soup. If you're looking for a mild beer to add just a hint of flavour, a wheat beer or pale ale will also do the trick.
In addition to the type of beer, the cooking process also affects the flavour of the soup. When cooking with alcohol, the alcohol evaporates, leaving only the taste behind. This means that the alcoholic content is cooked out, and the amount of beer in a serving is not enough to cause any harm. So, feel free to indulge in a bowl of beer cheese soup without worry!
Overall, when making beer cheese soup, it's best to use a lager beer to achieve the perfect balance of flavours. The mildness of a lager complements the sharpness of the cheddar and the richness of the other ingredients, resulting in a delicious and indulgent comfort food.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer cheese soup is not a healthy dish, as it is high in calories and fat. However, it can be made slightly healthier by substituting whole milk for cream and butter.
A lager or light lager beer is best as darker beers can alter the flavour and appearance of the soup. Wheat beer and pale ales also work well.
Any kind of cheddar cheese works well, but other popular options include gouda, pepper jack, and smoked English cheddar.
Popular toppings include crispy bacon, green onions, chives, extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Beer cheese soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
