EASY BEER CHEESE SOUP

Easy Beer Cheese Soup image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 22

6 slices bacon
1 onion (diced (medium))
1 carrot (peeled and diced)
2 cloves garlic (diced)
4 oz pimientos (drained)
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
4 oz cream cheese (softened, cubed)
12 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
8 oz beer
1 cup whole milk (or half and half)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper (to taste)
chives (thinly sliced)
crumbled bacon
pimientos
croutons
3 slices bread (cut into cubes)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Steps:

Add bacon to a large pot or dutch oven and cook until crisp over medium heat, turning as needed. Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined cutting board or plate and let cool.
Add onion and carrot to the pot and cook in bacon grease over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until onions are translucent.
Add garlic and pimientos, stir and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Add butter to the mixture and let melt.
Stir in flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Slowly add broth, beer, and milk.
Simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until thick.
Remove from heat and add cream cheese, stirring until mostly combined.
Transfer, in batches, to a blender and blend until smooth.
Return soup to pot and slowly add grated cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until fully incorporated.
Stir in Dijon and Worcestershire sauce and season to taste.
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