Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Hey there! If you’re craving a soup that feels cozy and gourmet all at once, this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is going to be your new go-to. There’s just something about the creamy blend of sharp cheddar and soft brie melting into tender butternut squash, all brightened up by a splash of pumpkin beer—it’s comfort food with a twist that warms you from the inside out.
I’ve made this soup plenty of times when the weather turns chilly or when I want to impress friends without fussing too much. It’s a perfect dish for those relaxed weekend lunches or casual dinner parties. Trust me, you’ll love this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe because it’s both rich and approachable, and it’s got that special touch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The earthy sweetness of butternut squash pairs beautifully with creamy brie and sharp cheddar, balanced by the subtle hoppy notes of the pumpkin beer.
- Easy Yet Impressive: It’s straightforward to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen – ideal for weeknights or entertaining without stress.
- Versatile Ingredients: You probably have many of these pantry staples on hand already, making it a convenient but special option.
- Comforting Texture: The creamy pureed soup with chunks of broccoli adds a lovely bite without overwhelming the smooth base, making each spoonful enjoyable.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe plays a role in creating its incredible depth of flavor and comforting texture. Here’s a little about why I love these choices—and a few tips for picking them out.
- Salted Butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps build the soup’s flavor foundation with those beautiful browned bits.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Balances butter’s richness and provides a subtle fruity undertone.
- Yellow Onion: The backbone flavor, sautéed until tender and fragrant to bring sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds an herby brightness that complements both squash and cheese wonderfully.
- Fresh Sage: A little goes a long way to bring earthiness that accents the butternut squash perfectly.
- Butternut Squash: The star ingredient, packed with sweetness and creaminess once cooked down.
- All-Purpose Flour: Works as a thickening agent to give the soup that luscious body.
- Bone, Chicken, or Vegetable Broth: Adds savory depth—chicken broth is my personal favorite for richness.
- Pumpkin Beer/Cider: This unexpected addition brings a subtle hoppy and pumpkin-y flavor that makes the soup unique and festive.
- Whole Milk: Pulls everything together with smooth creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- Broccoli: Adds a contrasting veggie bite and fresh green color to the otherwise creamy soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it amps up the cheese factor and adds a bit of tanginess.
- Creamy Brie: Soft, buttery brie melts into the soup for a luscious richness you can taste in every spoonful.
- Cayenne: A pinch wakes up the flavors with a gentle heat that never overpowers.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing the soup to perfection.
Make It Your Way
This Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is one I often tweak depending on what I have in the fridge or the season. Don’t be shy about putting your own spin on it—whether you swap the broccoli for kale or try a different type of beer for a twist.
- Variation: I love adding a swirl of caramelized onions or a dash of smoked paprika to introduce smoky depth. Once, I subbed in a stout beer instead of pumpkin beer for a richer flavor that was a crowd-pleaser.
- Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut milk or a creamy cashew sauce instead of dairy milk and skipping the cheese can still yield a hearty, flavorful soup.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in roasted carrots or sweet potatoes with the squash for extra sweetness and nutrition.
- Spicier Kick: Experiment with crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder instead of cayenne for smoky heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by melting butter and olive oil together over medium heat in a large pot. When they’re hot and shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, thyme, and sage. Cook everything until the onion is soft and fragrant—usually about 5 minutes. This step is key because it creates that savory base that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing and kicks off the flavor layers.
Step 2: Add the Butternut Squash and Flour
Once your aromatics are ready, add the cubed butternut squash and toss it with the onions and herbs. Cook it for just a minute or two to start softening the squash. Then sprinkle in your flour, stirring constantly until it’s golden and slightly toasty—about 1 minute. This not only thickens your soup but also adds a subtle nuttiness.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beer, Simmer ‘Til Tender
Next, add your broth and pumpkin beer—careful, it can fizz up a bit! Season with salt and pepper, then bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer. Keep the heat medium and leave the pot uncovered. You’re aiming for the squash to become tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. This simmering melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Blend It Smooth
After the squash is soft, remove the pot from heat and carefully puree the soup. I usually use an immersion blender directly in the pot—it’s less messy and very satisfying to see the soup transform. If you don’t have one, transferring the soup in batches to a blender works just as well. Aim for a silky texture that’s rich and velvety.
Step 5: Melt in Milk, Broccoli, Brie & Cheddar
Return the smooth soup to low heat and gently stir in the milk and chopped broccoli. Let the broccoli soften slightly before adding the shredded cheddar and cubed brie. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a creamy, indulgent mixture. Finish with a pinch of cayenne for that subtle heat punch.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Blend in Batches: When using a blender, don’t overfill the jar—blend in batches to avoid spills and get a smooth texture faster.
- Cheese Quality Matters: I always pick a sharp aged cheddar and creamy brie with the rind removed for the best melt and flavor.
- Watch Your Heat: Low heat prevents cheese from separating and keeps the soup silky without curdling.
- Pumpkin Beer Substitute: If you can’t find pumpkin beer, a spiced cider or light ale works great too for a similar warm note.
How to Serve Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, I keep it simple and elegant. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar right on top adds a beautiful melty finish, or you can place a small wedge of brie that slowly softens as you dig in. Fresh thyme or sage sprigs feel festive and make the soup look irresistible. For a bit of crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds work beautifully, too!
Side Dishes
I love serving this soup alongside soft pretzels—because who doesn’t adore dipping warm gooey cheese soup in a salty, chewy pretzel? Crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks are fantastic options as well. For a more substantial meal, a simple roasted chicken or crispy bacon on the side complements the creamy soup wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve the soup in adorable mini pumpkin bowls—it amps up the presentation and fits the autumn vibe perfectly. Another fun idea is layering a drizzle of herb oil or a swirl of crème fraîche on top for contrast in color and flavor. You could also float crispy sage leaves as a garnish; they add great texture and a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your dinner, let any leftover soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. I usually keep mine in the fridge for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before reheating because the cheese sometimes settles.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a few times, and it does freeze well if you skip the broccoli (add fresh when reheating). Use freezer-safe containers and leave some headroom because the soup expands a bit when frozen. When thawed, it’s still creamy and delicious but make sure to reheat gently to keep the cheese smooth.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but go slow and stir carefully so the cheese doesn’t separate. If the soup thickens too much, adding a splash of milk or broth helps bring back the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese in the Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While brie and cheddar create a lovely creamy and sharp combo, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep the cheese quantity similar to maintain the soup’s richness.
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Is it necessary to use pumpkin beer in this soup?
Not strictly. Pumpkin beer lends a subtle autumnal note and hoppy flavor, but you can substitute with other light beers, spiced cider, or even more broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol. Each will change the flavor slightly but still keep the soup delicious.
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Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Replace butter with olive or coconut oil, use vegetable broth, and swap dairy milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and vegan cheddar/brie-style cheeses. The texture will be a bit different but still comforting and tasty.
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How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will keep up to 3 days chilled. Make sure to cool it before refrigerating to maintain freshness and safety.
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Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can make most of the soup a day ahead and hold off adding the cheese and milk until reheating. This way, you get that fresh creamy texture just before serving, and it saves you some stress on party day.
Final Thoughts
This Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe has become one of those kitchen bright spots for me—simple ingredients that come together to feel special and satisfy in the best way. It’s the kind of recipe I look forward to making when the air turns crisp and friends drop by for a casual get-together. I really hope you’ll make it your own and enjoy all the cozy, cheesy goodness that I can’t get enough of. It’s truly a friend you want in your kitchen!
PrintBrie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup featuring a blend of roasted butternut squash, sharp cheddar, smooth brie, and a hint of pumpkin beer for depth. This hearty, comforting soup is perfect for fall and winter, garnished with fresh herbs and ideal served with soft pretzels.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 2-3 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups bone, chicken, or vegetable broth
- 1 bottle/can (12 ounce) pumpkin beer or cider
Dairy and Vegetables
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces creamy brie, cubed
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, fresh thyme, and sage. Cook until fragrant and the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add squash and flour: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and toss to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook until it turns golden, about 1 minute, to create a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the broth and the pumpkin beer or cider. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and cook uncovered until the butternut squash is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Puree the mixture: Remove the pot from heat. Using a blender or immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Add dairy and vegetables: Return the pureed soup to the stove set at low heat. Stir in the whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed brie. Cook gently, stirring, until the cheeses have melted and the soup is creamy.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar or a wedge of brie. Serve warm, ideally with soft pretzels on the side for dipping.
Notes
- To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of bone or chicken broth.
- The pumpkin beer adds a subtle seasonal flavor, but you can substitute with any mild beer or hard cider.
- For a smoother texture, strain the soup after blending if desired.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Soft pretzels make a perfect accompaniment for dipping and extending the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg