Disney's EPCOT Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (Copycat) – A Rich, Creamy, Warming Delight

If you’ve ever visited EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion, you know that the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup is one of the most talked-about dishes from Le Cellier Steakhouse. This decadent soup, with its smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and just the right amount of bite from the ale, is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something rich and cheesy, this recipe will bring the magic of Disney straight to your kitchen with every spoonful!

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Disney's EPCOT Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup

Disney’s Cheddar Cheese Soup has become a fan-favorite for many reasons. Not only does it capture the essence of Canadian comfort food, but it also combines the richness of melted white cheddar with the savoriness of smoked bacon and the tang of pale ale. This combination of flavors is perfect for a chilly night or when you just want to bring a taste of EPCOT home. Serve it with a warm pretzel bread and you'll have the full Disney experience without ever leaving your house.

Why Disney's EPCOT Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup Will Become a Regular in Your Kitchen

This soup is the perfect mix of savory, creamy, and comforting. It’s easy to make, but the complex flavors will impress anyone you serve it to. The smoky bacon and sharp cheddar work together to create a rich, decadent base, while the splash of pale ale gives it just the right amount of tangy brightness. The best part? It pairs beautifully with a soft pretzel or crusty bread, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week long!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 470 kcal
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 21g
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Sugar: 7g

This rich and creamy soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own but pairs perfectly with your favorite bread for dipping!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This soup is a meal in itself, but if you want to pair it with something, go for a soft pretzel or crusty bread to dip into the rich, cheesy broth. For a bit of freshness on the side, consider a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, pair it with a crisp apple cider or pale ale to complement the ale flavor in the soup.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You may need to add a splash of milk or stock to loosen it up. This soup also freezes well—just cool completely before storing in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Fun Fact: Canadian Cheddar Cheese

Canadian cheddar is known for its rich, sharp flavor, making it a staple in Canadian kitchens. In fact, cheddar has been made in Canada since the 19th century, and today, Canada is known for producing some of the finest cheddar in the world. Disney’s Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup pays homage to this beloved ingredient, elevating it into a dish that’s now famous at EPCOT and beyond.

Cooking Tips

• Cheese Melting Tip: To ensure your soup is extra smooth, remove it from the heat before stirring in the cheese. This will prevent the cheese from breaking down and becoming grainy.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly or add a bit more flour to the roux.
• Add More Veggies: While the original recipe calls for onions and celery, feel free to add carrots or leeks for extra flavor and texture.

Optional Variations

• Vegetarian Option: You can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Consider adding a bit of smoked paprika to give it that same smoky flavor.
• Extra Cheesy: For those who can’t get enough cheese, stir in an extra half-cup of cheddar at the end for even more cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few extra dashes of Tabasco for a spicier version of the soup.

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Disney’s EPCOT Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup Copycat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb smoked bacon, medium dice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium red onion, medium dice
• 3 ribs celery, medium dice
• 1 cup flour
• 3 cups fresh or low-sodium chicken stock
• 4 cups whole milk
• 12 oz. white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 dashes Tabasco
• 3 dashes Worcestershire
• 4 fl. oz. pale ale, room temperature
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chives, thinly sliced, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons smoked bacon, rendered crisp, fat removed (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Simmer the milk: Begin by heating the milk in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and then set aside.
2. Render the bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes wilted but not browned. This process allows the fat to render, which will add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onions and celery to the pot with the bacon. Continue cooking until the onions are translucent and the bacon is fully crisped, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the roux: Slowly add the flour to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Add the stock and milk: Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously to blend. Once incorporated, slowly add the warmed milk, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Return the mixture to a simmer.
6. Simmer the soup: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the flavorings: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Then add the Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and pale ale, stirring to combine. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of sliced chives and crisped bacon if desired. Serve immediately with pretzel bread or your favorite crusty bread for dipping.

Final Thoughts

Disney’s EPCOT Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup is a rich, indulgent dish that brings the warmth and flavors of Canada right to your kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this soup is sure to become a favorite for your family. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or enjoying it as a full meal, you can’t go wrong with this cheesy, bacon-filled delight!