Beer Cheese Soup à la Slow Cooker

When he isn’t authoring top-shelf gaming reviews and products, Brandes Stoddard will occasionally drop me a message announcing he is making his Beer Cheese Soup. I usually don’t delay to reply, but drop everything and head over for a bowl.  He generously shares not only his soup, but also his recipes!  Unlike like his artisanal method, I’ve reworked it slightly for slow cookers. I love this kitchen tool and I’m constantly looking for new “keepers”; this one definitely qualifies.

A couple compromises were needed to make it more slow cooker friendly in terms of process and volume (6-8 quart recommended) but if you prefer the more traditional variety, just ask and I’ll hook you up with “Biersuppe von Brandes”.

Ingredients:

PART ONE:

• 3-4 Medium Carrots, diced
• 1 Medium Onion, diced
• 2-3 Celery Stalks, diced
• 1 Bell Pepper, diced
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 Can Cream of Potato Soup
• 1 Tablespoon Hot Sauce
• 1/8 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 Tablespoon Salt
• 1/4 Tablespoon Pepper
• 32oz Broth (Chicken or Vegetable)
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon/Spicy Mustard
• 2 Tablespoon Worcester Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Dry Mustard

PART TWO:

• 14oz Beer (Guinness)
• 1/3 Cup Butter
• 1/3 Cup Cornstarch or Flour
• 4 Cups Half & Half
• 2 lb Cheddar Cheese, grated

Combine all ingredients from Part One list into slow cooker on High for 4-6 hours. Stir thoroughly occasionally.

Towards the end of the cooking period, after vegetables are suitably softened start adding the Part Two ingredients except for cheese and cornstarch/flour. Once the butter has melted, begin to add the cheese in small amounts, allowing it to melt and integrate with constant stirring.  Once you finished adding all the cheese, whisk in your cornstarch or flour in small amounts until the soup reaches your preferred consistency.

If you like a smoother style soup, an immersion blender is perfect for breaking down the hearty vegetable parts.

Serve hot!  Garnish with chives, if you like. Keeps for a few days, but don’t freeze.  Get fancy and hollow out some hearty bread bowls!