Beer Cheese Soup With Soft Pretzels Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook until softened.
• STEP 2.Add flour to the pot and cook for a minute, stirring constantly.
• STEP 3.Slowly whisk in the beer and chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
• STEP 4.Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
• STEP 5.Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
• STEP 6.Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs of your choice.
• STEP 7.Serve the beer cheese soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions or crumbled bacon.
• STEP 8.For the soft pretzels, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• STEP 9.In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
• STEP 10.Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
• STEP 11.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• STEP 12.Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into pretzel shapes.
• STEP 13.In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Boil the pretzels for 30 seconds on each side.
• STEP 14.Remove the pretzels from the pot and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• STEP 15.Brush the pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
• STEP 16.Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
• STEP 17.Serve the warm soft pretzels alongside the beer cheese soup for a delicious combination.

Cooking Tips

• Use a flavorful beer, such as an amber ale or a stout, to enhance the taste of the soup.
• For a smoother texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
• Feel free to add cooked bacon, diced jalapenos, or chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
• To reheat leftovers, gently warm the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage and Serving

• Serve the beer cheese soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions or crumbled bacon.
• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve the soft pretzels warm alongside the soup for a delicious combination.
• The pretzels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.