Cheddar Ale Soup with Bacon & Croutons – A Rich and Creamy Brew-Infused Delight

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a warm, indulgent bowl of comfort, nothing hits the spot like Cheddar Ale Soup with Bacon & Croutons. This hearty soup combines the creamy richness of sharp cheddar cheese with the deep, malty flavor of ale, creating a bowl of pure comfort that’s just begging to be sipped. Topped with crunchy homemade croutons, crisp bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh chives, every spoonful is bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re enjoying it for a casual lunch or serving it as a showstopping starter for dinner, this soup is guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cheddar Ale Soup with Bacon & Croutons

Cheddar and ale are a match made in culinary heaven, and this soup draws inspiration from the rich, comforting flavors of traditional pub-style cheese soups. The ale adds depth and complexity to the soup, cutting through the creamy richness of the cheddar while balancing the savory notes of sautéed vegetables. The crispy bacon crumbles and crunchy croutons provide a satisfying contrast to the smooth, velvety soup, making every bite an explosion of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out—perfect for cozy nights in.

Why Cheddar Ale Soup with Bacon & Croutons Will Be Your New Favorite Comfort Food

This soup is all about indulgence, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. The onions, celery, and carrots create a flavorful base that’s thickened with a touch of flour and mustard, while the combination of ale and chicken broth adds depth. Once the sharp cheddar cheese melts into the mix, you’re left with a rich and creamy soup that’s pure heaven. The crispy bacon and homemade croutons on top add the perfect finishing touch, making this a dish that’s just as satisfying as it is comforting. Whether you’re a cheese lover or a soup enthusiast, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 2g

While this soup is rich and filling on its own, it can also be paired with a fresh salad or served alongside a slice of crusty bread for a more complete meal.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Cheddar Ale Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a cozy pub-style meal, serve it with soft pretzels or a side of warm, buttery garlic bread for dipping. A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would help cut through the richness of the soup. If you’re looking to elevate the experience, enjoy it with a cold pint of the same ale used in the soup for a perfectly matched pairing.

For dessert, something light and refreshing like a citrus sorbet or a simple fruit tart would complement the rich flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk. For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

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Fun Fact: The Beer-Cheese Connection

Cheddar cheese and beer are often paired together for good reason! The sharp, tangy flavors of cheddar balance beautifully with the hoppy bitterness of many ales, creating a harmonious flavor profile that has been loved in both cooking and snacking for centuries.

Cooking Tips

• Customize Your Cheese: While sharp cheddar is a must for that signature bold flavor, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, smoked cheddar, or even pepper jack for an added kick.
• Make It Even Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cheese, or increase the amount of flour when sautéing the vegetables.
• Crispier Croutons: If you want extra crispy croutons, toast the bread cubes in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes before adding them to the soup.

Optional Variations

• Spice It Up: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the bacon for roasted mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of this delicious soup.
• Loaded Baked Potato Twist: Stir in some cooked, diced potatoes to the soup and top with sour cream and green onions for a loaded baked potato-inspired take.

Cheddar Ale Soup with Bacon & Croutons Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 – 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped, peeled sweet onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery (include the leaves!)
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup ale
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup low fat milk (I used 1%)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 – 2 slices lean, cooked bacon, chopped roughly
• Fresh ground black pepper and salt, to taste
• For the top: a few thick slices of good bread, extra shredded cheddar cheese, a few bits of crumbled bacon & some snipped chives or green onion tops.

Instructions:

1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the onion, celery, and carrot until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Stir in the flour to coat the veggies, then add the dry mustard, bay leaf, ale, and broth. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens.
3. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese, cooking just briefly until the cheese melts. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped bacon.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toast the thick slices of bread and cut them into cubes.
5. Pour the soup into oven-proof bowls and top each with 4 – 6 bread cubes. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheddar cheese and a few bits of bacon.
6. Bake the bowls for 5 – 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with snipped chives or green onions and serve immediately.

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This Cheddar Ale Soup with Bacon & Croutons is the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers. Rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor, it’s the perfect dish for cold days or when you’re craving something indulgent. The combination of sharp cheddar, hearty ale, and crispy toppings makes this a soup that’s bound to be a hit with anyone who tries it!