Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe
Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 25 reviews

There is something truly comforting and downright irresistible about a bowl of cheesy, hearty soup packed with a perfect balance of flavors. The Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe brings that home with every spoonful. Imagine smoky bacon, sharp cheddar melting into a silky broth enriched with a splash of Canadian lager, subtle heat from Tabasco, and that savory Worcestershire kick. It’s a rich, creamy crowd-pleaser that warms from the inside out—perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you need a hug in a bowl.

A clean, light wooden surface neatly arranged with the main ingredients for Canadian cheese soup: a small pile of crispy golden-brown chopped bacon, a medium yellow onion finely diced in a small white bowl, three pale green celery ribs finely chopped in a separate bowl, two garlic cloves peeled and minced with fine texture, a few tablespoons of rich golden butter resting on a small vintage dish, a small heap of white all-purpose flour with a powdery texture on a rustic ceramic plate, a clear glass cup of amber-colored pale or golden lager beer, a smooth white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white milk, a pile of sharp cheddar cheese shredded into thin, vibrant orange-yellow strands, a small bottle of bright red Tabasco sauce and a bottle of dark Worcestershire sauce with shiny labels nearby, an accompanying small bowl of golden chicken stock with a glossy surface, a pinch bowl of kosher salt with coarse crystals, a pepper mill with freshly ground black pepper specks, and a small handful of finely chopped bright green chives on a white spoon. The ingredients are arranged evenly spaced, with natural soft daylight highlighting the contrasting colors and textures, casting gentle shadows. The styling is minimalistic but warm, emphasizing freshness and homeliness, with subtle rustic kitchen elements visible at the edges. overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this soup just right is all about the essential ingredients that create layers of flavor and velvety texture. Each component from the crisp bacon to the golden lager and the sharp cheddar cheese plays a starring role in building this deliciously satisfying dish.

  • Bacon (½ lb): Adds smoky richness and crisp texture that balances the creaminess.
  • Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Celery (3 ribs, finely chopped): Offers a subtle aromatic crunch and freshness.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Injects a warm, savory note to the base.
  • Butter (4 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing veggies and creating the roux for thickness.
  • All-purpose flour (1 cup): Builds a smooth, creamy roux that gives the soup body.
  • Chicken stock (3 cups): Provides a savory, flavorful liquid foundation.
  • Milk (4 cups): Creams the soup gently without overpowering the cheese.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese (1 lb, grated): The heart of the soup delivering that iconic cheesy punch.
  • Tabasco sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle kick that lifts the flavors.
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami and depth.
  • Canadian pale or golden lager (½ cup): Adds a malty brightness and complexity uniquely Canadian.
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste; these seasonings enhance every ingredient.
  • Chopped green onion or chives (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color for garnish.

How to Make Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by crisping up the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. This step is everything because the rendered fat will infuse the whole soup with that irresistible bacony goodness. Cook until just browned, about 5 minutes, then you’ll have that perfect mixture of crunch and smoky flavor to build on.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

Add the finely chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic along with butter right into the same pot. Let these cook down together over medium heat until the onions turn soft and translucent, usually about 5 minutes. This combination creates a soft, flavorful base that will carry all the other tastes throughout the soup.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly. This part takes a little patience—cook for about 4 minutes until the roux turns golden and emits a slightly nutty aroma. This process removes any raw flour taste and thickens the soup just right, making it luscious and creamy.

Step 4: Add Stock

Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it boil for a minute before reducing the heat to let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to begin thickening beautifully.

Step 5: Add Milk

Pour in the milk carefully and let the soup continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, but be sure not to bring it to a boil again. This step keeps the soup smooth and creamy without curdling the milk, maintaining a perfectly silky texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Flavorings

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is mostly smooth but still has a bit of texture. This creates a velvety richness that is irresistibly cheesy and balanced with a kick of heat and umami.

Step 7: Finish with Beer

Finally, stir in the Canadian pale or golden lager carefully. The beer’s malty and slightly bitter notes complement the bacon and cheese beautifully, rounding out the flavor profile with a uniquely Canadian twist. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed—you’re almost there!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch that contrasts perfectly with the rich, creamy base. Get ready for a taste experience that feels like a little celebration in every spoonful.

How to Serve Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped green onions or fresh chives are a simple yet elegant garnish that adds a burst of color and a gentle onion flavor. For a bit of extra indulgence, crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can bring more texture and smoky depth to the final presentation.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or warm garlic toast, perfect for dipping into the creamy depths. A crisp side salad or roasted vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the soup and creating a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist. You can also drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or swirl in some sour cream on top for an elegant finish. If you want to impress guests, serve the soup with concurrent toppings like shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or a dash of hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. Re-stir before reheating to redistribute any settled ingredients.

Freezing

Although this soup can be frozen, the texture might change slightly due to the cheese and milk content. If you plan to freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and use within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching or curdling. You may want to whisk in a little extra milk or stock if the soup becomes too thick upon standing. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to keep that silky smooth texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional and provides a wonderful sharpness, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or a mild white cheddar for different flavor profiles. Just remember that meltability and flavor intensity vary, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Is it necessary to use lager beer?

The Canadian lager adds a unique malty brightness and slight bitterness that complements the soup’s richness perfectly. However, if you don’t have lager on hand, a pale ale or even a non-alcoholic beer can work in a pinch. Just avoid darker beers which can overpower the dish.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can certainly omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. Consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the bacon’s smoky flavor for that extra depth.

How spicy is this soup with the Tabasco sauce?

The Tabasco adds a subtle warmth that complements rather than dominates the flavors. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or skip it altogether. This soup is all about balance, so tailor it to your taste.

Will the soup thicken as it cools?

Yes, the cheese and flour roux will cause the soup to thicken when cooled or refrigerated. Simply reheat with a splash of milk or stock and stir well to bring it back to a creamy consistency before serving again.

Final Thoughts

This Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe is a fantastic way to cozy up during cooler months or whenever comfort food is calling your name. Its heartwarming blend of cheese, smoky bacon, and the subtle sparkle of lager creates a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite soup that feels like a warm, delicious hug every time.

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Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe

Canadian Cheese Soup with Lager and Bacony Delights Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Canadian
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Description

This hearty Canadian Cheese Soup combines smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a splash of Canadian lager for a rich and comforting bowl perfect for chilly days. Slowly cooked to develop deep flavors, it’s creamy, slightly spicy, and topped with fresh green onions for a touch of brightness.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

  • ½ lb bacon, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) butter
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 celery ribs, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dry Ingredients & Seasonings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • ½ cup pale or golden lager (preferably Canadian)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until just browned, about 5 minutes. This renders the fat and gives the soup a smoky base.
  2. Sauté Veggies: Add the finely chopped onion, celery, garlic, and butter to the pot with the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, roughly 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 4 minutes. Cook until the flour is golden and emits a slightly nutty aroma, which builds the soup’s thickening base.
  4. Add Stock: Slowly whisk in the chicken stock to avoid lumps. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the soup.
  5. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and continue to simmer, ensuring the soup does not boil, for another 15 minutes. This step enriches the soup and balances the flavors.
  6. Add Cheese & Flavorings: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until mostly smooth, ensuring a creamy texture.
  7. Finish with Beer: Stir in the pale or golden Canadian lager. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary to balance the heat and saltiness.
  8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor and good melting quality.
  • The immersion blender helps achieve a creamy texture but leaving some chunks adds character.
  • Adjust Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce according to your heat and savory preference.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit bacon.
  • This soup reheats well and can be thickened with a little extra milk if needed.

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