Cheddar Popcorn Ale Soup
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Cheddar Popcorn Ale Soup, a delightful twist on traditional comfort food that combines velvety cheddar cheese soup with the aromatic essence of a medium-bodied beer. This hearty soup is elevated by the savory notes of sautéed onions and celery, complemented by the warmth of Old Bay seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Perfect for a cozy gathering by the fireplace, this soup is served steaming hot, topped with a generous helping of freshly popped, buttery popcorn that adds a delightfully crunchy texture. Pair it with your favorite brew and enjoy a unique, satisfying dish that guarantees to warm your heart and lull you into bliss.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
celery ribs
2 (sliced thin)
sweet onion
1 small (chopped)
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (ground)
condensed cheddar cheese soup
4 cans (none)
chicken stock
1 can (none)
medium-bodied beer
1 can (none)
milk
2 cans (none)
Instructions
1
In a heavy soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced celery ribs and chopped sweet onion, and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine and cook for another minute for the spices to bloom.
4
Pour in the condensed cheddar cheese soup, chicken stock, and the beer. Use the empty soup cans to measure the milk and pour that in as well.
5
Stir everything together until well combined and bring to a gentle simmer.
6
Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
7
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion generously with freshly popped, lightly salted popcorn.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheddar Popcorn Ale Soup?
It is a rich and creamy comfort dish that combines condensed cheddar cheese soup with medium-bodied beer, chicken stock, and milk, finished with a topping of freshly popped popcorn.
What kind of beer is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends a medium-bodied beer to provide a balanced aromatic essence without overpowering the cheese flavor.
How is the popcorn prepared for the topping?
The popcorn should be freshly popped, buttery, and lightly salted to provide a crunchy texture to the soup.
What seasonings are used in Cheddar Popcorn Ale Soup?
The soup is seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth and kick.
How do I measure the milk for this recipe?
You can use the empty cans from the condensed cheddar cheese soup to measure out two cans of milk.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The sliced celery and chopped sweet onion should be sautéed in butter for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
Can I make this soup spicy?
While the recipe calls for a pinch of cayenne, you can increase the amount of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning if you prefer a spicier profile.
What is the total simmering time?
After combining the ingredients, the soup should simmer gently for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Do I need to bloom the spices?
Yes, after sautéing the vegetables, stir in the spices and cook for another minute to allow them to bloom before adding the liquids.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small sweet onion, chopped.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock if you prefer a vegetarian-friendly base.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs wonderfully with your favorite brew and is best enjoyed in a cozy setting, perhaps by a fireplace.
Is the popcorn added during the cooking process?
No, the popcorn is added as a garnish to each individual bowl right before serving to maintain its crunch.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, non-alcoholic beer can be used as a substitute while still providing the intended malty flavor profile.
What kind of pot is recommended?
A heavy soup pot is recommended to ensure even heating and to prevent the cheese soup from scorching.
How many cans of cheddar cheese soup are required?
The recipe requires four cans of condensed cheddar cheese soup.
Can I substitute the milk with heavy cream?
Yes, using heavy cream instead of milk will result in an even richer and thicker soup.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
Keep the soup at a gentle simmer and avoid bringing it to a rolling boil once the dairy and cheese soup are added.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it primarily involves sautéing vegetables and simmering pantry staples.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup has a velvety, creamy texture that contrasts with the crunchy popcorn topping.
Should the celery be peeled?
Peeling is not necessary; simply slice the celery ribs thinly as directed.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, but add fresh popcorn only when ready to eat.
Can I add real shredded cheddar to the soup?
While the recipe uses condensed soup, you can stir in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar at the end for extra flavor.
Does the alcohol in the beer cook out?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the simmering process, leaving behind the flavor of the ale.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can sauté the veggies first and then combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?
You can substitute it with a mix of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Generally no, as both beer and condensed soups typically contain gluten. Use gluten-free alternatives if needed.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Crumbled bacon or diced ham would make excellent additions to this cheesy soup.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the vegetables.
Is this soup suitable for a lunch meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a lunch item and makes for a very hearty and satisfying meal.