Best Foods To Pair With Beer Cheese Soup

Beer cheese soup is a delicious comfort food, perfect for cold days. It is made with beer and cheese, and often includes vegetables such as onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, as well as seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, and mustard. This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but what foods go well with it?

Soft pretzels

When serving soft pretzels with beer cheese soup, it is important to consider the timing. The soup comes together fairly quickly, but making pretzels from scratch can be a lengthy process. Therefore, it is recommended to plan ahead by making the pretzels in advance or preparing the soup the day before. This ensures that both components are served fresh and at their best.

Additionally, when making soft pretzels, it is crucial to allow the dough to rise adequately. Proper proofing ensures that the pretzels have a soft and airy texture. It is also important to be mindful of the baking temperature and time to achieve the desired colour and crunch without burning them.

In conclusion, soft pretzels are an excellent choice to accompany beer cheese soup. They provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether made from scratch, semi-homemade, or store-bought, soft pretzels offer a delicious and convenient option to enjoy with the comforting flavours of beer cheese soup.

Popcorn

If you want to add a bit more flavour to your popcorn topping, you could try using my chilli cheese popcorn recipe. This would add a bit of spice to your soup, creating an interesting contrast of flavours.

So, if you're looking for a creative way to enjoy your beer cheese soup, why not give popcorn a try? It's a unique and tasty option that's sure to surprise and delight your taste buds!

Crust bread

Crusty bread is a common pairing with beer cheese soup, and one way to incorporate it is to serve the soup in a bread bowl. This can be made by hollowing out a boule, leaving a thick bread shell to contain the soup. The removed bread can be saved for another use, and the topper can be used for dipping.

Another option is to make your own beer and cheese bread to accompany the soup. One recipe for this includes the following ingredients:

• Brown ale
• Strong white bread flour
• Wholemeal flour
• Cheddar
• Parmesan or a similar vegetarian hard cheese
• Powdered milk
• Mustard powder
• Eggs
• Fennel seeds
• Salt

To make the bread, dissolve sugar and yeast in the brown ale and set aside for 5-6 minutes. Mix the flours, cheeses, powdered milk, mustard powder, eggs, and fennel seeds in a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast and beer mixture and mix well with your hands until the mixture forms a soft dough. Using floured hands, knead the dough on a clean, floured work surface for 20-25 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough becomes too dry, add a little warm water.

Divide the dough into two loaves and place them on a large baking tray. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaves with a criss-cross pattern. Cover with a clean damp tea towel and leave for two hours in a warm, dry, draught-free place, until the dough has risen and doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. When the loaves have expanded, brush each with egg white. Transfer the loaves to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has cooked through and the crust is golden brown.

Jammy tomato toasts

A perfect side dish to go with your beer cheese soup, this recipe is inspired by the popular Middle Eastern dish, shakshuka. This dish is an aromatic tomato and pepper sauce that is topped with eggs for a satisfying meal any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• One 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes, juices reserved
• 4 slices of whole wheat bread, toasted, for serving
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Method:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the cumin, bell pepper, onion, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize in spots (about 6 to 7 minutes).
• Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the tomatoes and their juices, and use a potato masher to crush the whole tomatoes until no large chunks remain.
• Stir in the honey, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced by about half and resembles a thick jam (about 1 hour and 30 minutes).
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl or food storage container and let it cool to room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Cover the jam and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour and up to overnight.
• Just before serving, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• For each serving, spread about 2 tablespoons of the tomato jam on top of a piece of toast.
• Top the toast with a fried egg and a few avocado slices.
• Drizzle with hot sauce if desired.

Tips:

• You can refrigerate any leftover jam in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Try using sourdough bread for a tangy twist.
• For an extra punch of flavour, add some anchovies and chives.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy side dish with your beer cheese soup!

Nachos

Beer Cheese Soup Nachos

If you're looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy beer cheese soup, why not try making nachos? This unique twist on the classic Mexican dish is the perfect way to elevate your soup and impress your guests. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate beer cheese soup nachos:

Choose Your Base

For the base of your nachos, opt for sturdy, crispy tortilla chips that can withstand the weight of the toppings. You can use traditional corn tortilla chips or get creative with other options like kettle-style potato chips, which add a fun crunch. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try using tater tots for an even heartier base.

Prepare the Beer Cheese Soup

The star of your nachos is, of course, the beer cheese soup. You can make your own soup from scratch or use a store-bought version. To make it extra special, use a high-quality beer and cheese. Go for a combination of shredded cheddar, pepper jack, and Swiss cheese for a creamy and flavourful base. Don't forget to season it with onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of white pepper for added depth.

Assemble the Nachos

Now it's time to bring everything together. Start by arranging your chosen base on a large platter or baking dish. If you're using tortilla chips, you might want to overlap them slightly to create a foundation for the toppings.

Load on the Toppings

The beauty of nachos is in the abundance of toppings. Start by pouring your beer cheese soup over the base, making sure to cover each chip generously. Then, it's time to get creative with your toppings. Here are some suggestions:

• Corned Beef: Add a savoury twist with chopped corned beef. It's a traditional Irish ingredient that gives a nod to the history of the country.
• Bacon: Crispy, crunchy bacon adds a salty contrast to the creamy soup.
• Vegetables: Chopped red onions, green onions, or chives bring a fresh flavour and a pop of colour to your nachos.
• Sour Cream: For a creamy contrast to the savoury toppings, add dollops of sour cream.
• Horseradish Sauce: If you're feeling adventurous, mix some horseradish sauce with your sour cream for an extra kick.

Serving Tips

To ensure your nachos stay crispy, assemble them just before serving. If you're making the beer cheese soup ahead of time, keep it warm in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. That way, you can pour it over the chips at the last minute.

Now you're ready to impress your guests with the ultimate beer cheese soup nachos. Enjoy the combination of crispy, cheesy, and savoury flavours in every bite!

Frequently asked questions