Beer Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I have no idea why it took us this long to create this recipe … it literally combines 4 of Mark’s favorite things; Beer, Bacon, Soup & Cheese. How can you go wrong when you have added all of these things together? Now don’t get us wrong, a classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup is delicious but why wouldn’t you want to add beer and bacon to it if possible?

Ingredients

• 3-4 Cups of Cheese (Regular and White Cheddar mixed), plus extra for topping

• 1 Pack of Bacon, cooked and crumbled and set aside

• 2 Cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth

• 2 Cups Milk or Cream

• 1-2 Heads of Broccoli, cut into small florets

• 1 Can of Beer (12oz)

• 1 Medium White Onion, chopped

• 1/4 Cup Flour

• 3-4 Cloves of Garlic, minced

• 2 Tbsp. Butter or Margarine

• 1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard

• 1-2 Tbsp. Salt

• 1-2 Tbsp. Pepper

• 1-2 Tsp. Paprika

Instructions

• Heat a soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter in the pot then add the onions and season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté the onions, stirring often. Cook about 5-7 minutes or until onions are translucent.

• Add in the garlic, dijon mustard and paprika. Stir well and cook about 30-60 seconds. Add in the flour, mix well and cook about 1-2 more minutes or until it starts to darken.

• Next you want to deglaze it, so slowly add in the beer and continue mixing (a wooden spoon works best for this). Allow the beer to ‘reduce' down about 2-3 minutes then add in the chicken broth and milk (or cream). Bring this to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes.

• Next, add in the broccoli, remaining salt & pepper. Cooking until the broccoli is BRIGHT green and very tender. I always leave out 2-3 florets out an pan fry them for garnish on top but you don’t have to do that.

• Next, grab your immersion blender if you have one, and blend the soup. I always blend it enough that most florets are blended but there are still some whole or half florets in the soup.

• Add in the cheese, stir to ensure it melts evenly. Finally add in the bacon (leaving some out for garnish). Test periodically and add additional seasonings if desired. Spoon into a bowl and top with the extra fried florets, cheese & bacon. YUM!