Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced peppers (we used tri-color)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chicken base
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz lager beer
- 2 cups half and half
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Using a Dutch oven or soup pot on top of stove, cook bacon and onions over medium heat until brown.
- Remove the bacon and onions from the pan and set aside. Discard all but 2 tablespoons bacon grease.
- Add carrots and peppers to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter and melt, along with chicken base.
- Add the flour and mix until combined. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix.
- Add beer and mix, then add the half and half. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add the cheese and remaining butter. Stir until combined and the cheese is blended.
- Cook over low for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Add back the bacon and onion mixture, reserving ¼ cup to use to garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use a lager. Darker or more hoppy beers can change the flavor profile and alter the appearance of the soup. A light lager keeps the beer flavor subtle and balanced.
- Buy a block and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that keep it from melting smoothly, so your soup can turn grainy instead of silky.
- Don't rush the flour. Cooking the flour for three minutes before adding the liquids removes the raw flour taste and builds the body of the soup.
- Reserve the bacon and onion garnish. Holding back a quarter cup to top each bowl adds texture and a finished look.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soups
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 6.6 g
- Sodium: 970.6 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Carbohydrates: 19.3 g
- Protein: 15.8 g
- Cholesterol: 80.1 mg