Brie Cheddar Apple Beer Soup (Print)

Silky brie and sharp cheddar combined with fresh apples and beer create a warming, creamy autumn soup.

# Components:

→ Dairy

01 - 7 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
02 - 3.5 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
03 - 1 ounce unsalted butter
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Produce

06 - 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
07 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

→ Pantry

10 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 2 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1 bottle (12 ounces) pale ale or amber beer
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

17 - Thinly sliced apple
18 - Chopped fresh chives
19 - Crusty bread

# Directions:

01 - Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and apples; sauté for 5–6 minutes until they become softened.
02 - Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stir continuously, and cook for 2–3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
04 - Pour in the beer gradually, scraping up any caramelized bits. Add vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes until apples are tender.
05 - Use an immersion blender or standard blender to purée the mixture until completely smooth. Return to the pot if necessary.
06 - Stir in whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Heat gently, avoiding boiling.
07 - Add cheddar and brie gradually, stirring until melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
08 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with apple slices, chives, and crusty bread if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Made with simple market finds that feel restaurant-worthy
  • On the table in under an hour
  • Balanced flavor full of sharp cheese creaminess and gently sweet apple
  • Vegetarian friendly
02 -
  • High in protein and creamy satisfaction
  • Do-ahead friendly let flavors develop if made in advance
  • Adapts for gluten free cooking with a swap of flour and beer
03 -
  • Always grate your own cheddar for superior melting
  • When blending soup use a kitchen towel on top in case it splatters
  • For silky smoothness do not rush adding the cheese let each addition melt completely before adding more