Beer Cheese Soup: Keto-Friendly Comfort Food

Beer cheese soup is a classic comfort food, but is it keto-friendly? The answer is yes, if you make a low-carb version. This usually involves using a low-carb beer and a thickening agent like xanthan gum instead of flour or starch. The result is a creamy, cheesy soup that's perfect for a cold day and won't compromise your keto diet.

Beer and cheese soup ingredients

A delicious, hearty soup, beer and cheese soup is a comfort food classic. It is also keto-friendly if you use a low-carb beer. The ingredients you will need are:

Base Ingredients

• Bacon
• Butter
• Olive oil or bacon grease
• Vegetables: onion, garlic, red/bell pepper, carrots, celery
• Spices: salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, celery salt, dry mustard, thyme, smoked paprika
• Broth: chicken or beef
• Beer: low-carb, light to medium-bodied, smooth, malty, German, American Pilsner or Pale Lager

Thickening Agents

• Flour
• Xanthan gum
• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream

Cheese

• Cheddar cheese: sharp, yellow, smoked
• Cracker Barrel Sharp Yellow Cheese
• Cabot Hot Habanero Cheese
• Gouda cheese

Garnish

• Green onions
• Chives
• Popcorn
• Pretzels

How to make beer and cheese soup

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Bacon
• Onion
• Garlic
• Beer
• Chicken broth
• Cream
• Cheese
• Spices (e.g. cayenne, paprika, mustard powder)
• Optional: flour, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery, carrots, bell pepper, egg yolks, xanthan gum

Steps:

Cook the Bacon:

Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add butter and cook onion, garlic, and any other vegetables (such as celery, carrots, or bell pepper) until softened. Season with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices.

Make a Roux (Optional):

If you'd like to thicken the soup, make a roux by adding equal parts butter and flour to the pot and cooking until lightly browned.

Add Beer and Broth:

Stir in the beer and cook until thickened. Then, add the chicken broth and cream, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Add Cheese:

Slowly add the cheese to the pot, stirring continuously, until the cheese is fully melted and combined.

Serve:

Serve the soup hot, garnished with bacon and optional toppings such as popcorn, pretzels, or green onions.

Tips:

• Use a low-carb beer to keep the soup keto-friendly.
• Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better and doesn't contain added ingredients that can affect the texture.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional value of beer and cheese soup

Beer and cheese soup is a creamy, comforting dish that can be made keto-friendly with a few simple tweaks. This soup is typically made with a combination of vegetables, cheese, cream, and of course, beer. While the exact nutritional value will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, here is an overview of the nutritional profile of beer and cheese soup.

Calories and Macronutrients:

A bowl of beer and cheese soup typically contains around 300-500 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of approximately 20-30% carbs, 50-60% fat, and 15-20% protein. The fat content comes mainly from the cream, cheese, and bacon, while the carbs are derived from the vegetables and beer. Protein is supplied by the cheese, bacon, and chicken broth.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Beer and cheese soup provides a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as essential fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It also contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, which are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre.

Sodium and Cholesterol:

The sodium content of beer and cheese soup can be high due to the broth, bacon, and cheese. The cholesterol content can also be elevated due to the cream, cheese, and bacon. Therefore, it is important to consume this dish in moderation and ensure it fits within your daily nutrient requirements.

Keto-Friendly Options:

To make beer and cheese soup keto-friendly, choose a low-carb beer. There are several options available, such as Michelob Ultra, which has only 2.6 net carbs per 12 oz. bottle. Additionally, instead of using a roux to thicken the soup, you can rely solely on cream cheese and cheddar cheese, which will add creaminess without the extra carbs. Pre-shredded cheese should be avoided as it often contains starches that can impact melting and may not be keto-friendly.

Beer and cheese soup serving suggestions

Beer and cheese soup is a hearty, creamy, and comforting dish. It can be served as a starter, a side, or a main course. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup and make it a delicious and satisfying meal:

Garnishes

Garnishes add a pop of colour, texture, and flavour to your beer and cheese soup. Here are some options:

• Chives or green onions—these herbs add a fresh and mild onion flavour to the soup.
• Bacon—crispy, crumbled bacon adds a salty, savoury touch and a bit of crunch.
• Popcorn—a fun and tasty topping that provides a unique texture and flavour contrast.
• Feta cheese—a salty and tangy cheese that can be crumbled over the soup for added flavour and creaminess.

Breads

Beer and cheese soup pairs well with crusty, hearty breads that can be used for dipping:

• Keto focaccia bread—a flat oven-baked bread with a chewy texture and a crispy exterior.
• Keto cheddar biscuit bombs—soft, fluffy, and savoury biscuits that are perfect for soaking up the soup.
• Keto soft pretzels—twisted dough shapes with a chewy texture and salty flavour.
• French bread—a classic crusty bread with a soft interior and a golden crust.
• Beer bread muffins—muffins made with beer for a unique flavour profile.
• Rosemary bread—a fragrant, herby bread with a dense texture.

Sides

To make a complete meal, serve your beer and cheese soup with a side salad or steamed vegetables:

• A side salad of fresh greens, cucumber, and mushrooms tossed in a vinaigrette—a light and refreshing counterpart to the rich soup.
• Steamed low-carb vegetables like green beans or broccoli—a simple and healthy option.
• Low-carb alternatives to potatoes, such as cauliflower or parsnips—a satisfying and nutritious option.

Variations

If you want to switch up the classic beer and cheese soup, try these variations:

• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
• Try a fruity wheat beer for a sweeter, more refreshing flavour.
• Add spices like celery salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.
• For a thicker soup, add tempered egg yolks or a small amount of xanthan gum.

Beer and cheese soup variations

There are many ways to make a beer and cheese soup, and most recipes are customisable. Here are some variations on the classic beer and cheese soup recipe:

Ingredients

Beer and cheese soup typically contains bacon, vegetables (such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and peppers), butter, flour, beer, broth, milk or cream, seasonings, and cheese. Some recipes also include mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and/or popcorn.

Vegetables

Some recipes call for caramelised onions, which adds a sweet flavour to the soup. Other recipes include garlic, red or yellow onion, and peppers. One recipe suggests using a mirepoix, a mixture of onions, celery, and carrots, to create a rounded flavour profile for the broth.

Beer

When choosing a beer, opt for one that you enjoy drinking on its own. Avoid very bitter or strong-tasting beers as they will transfer their flavour to the soup. A light-coloured pilsner or pale lager is a good choice for a balanced flavour. If you are on a keto diet, choose a low-carb beer.

Cheese

A combination of different cheeses can add depth of flavour to the soup. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a zippy flavour, while medium cheddar gives a milder, sunnier colour. Pepper Jack cheese is another good option as it melts well and adds a little spice. It is recommended to shred the cheese from a block, as it will melt better and taste superior to pre-shredded cheese.

Thickening

To thicken the soup, some recipes use a roux, a mixture of equal parts flour and butter. Alternatively, xanthan gum can be used as a thickening agent without adding flour or starch. Simply sprinkling it over the soup and stirring it in can help to achieve the desired consistency.

Garnishes and Sides

Beer and cheese soup can be garnished with bacon, green onions, or chives. It is often served with bread, such as crusty No Knead Bread or a bread bowl. For a fun twist, try topping the soup with popped popcorn.

Frequently asked questions