Canadian Cheese Soup is a rich, velvety comfort soup loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, aromatic vegetables, and a splash of lager for incredible depth of flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s perfect for chilly evenings, holiday meals, or whenever you’re craving a cozy homemade soup.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Soup
- ½ pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 4 cups milk
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup pale or golden lager (preferably Canadian)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh chives
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Crispy bacon bits
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Immersion blender (or countertop blender)
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Bacon
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes.
Leave the bacon and rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
Add:
- Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Butter
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3 – Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables.
Cook while stirring constantly for 3–4 minutes, until the flour becomes lightly golden and develops a nutty aroma.
Step 4 – Add the Broth
Slowly whisk in the chicken stock.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook for 1 minute, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5 – Add the Milk
Pour in the milk.
Continue simmering gently for another 15 minutes.
Do not allow the soup to boil after adding the milk.
Step 6 – Melt the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat.
Gradually stir in:
- Cheddar cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco sauce
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir until the cheese has completely melted.
Step 7 – Blend
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until mostly smooth and creamy.
Leave a few small pieces of bacon and vegetables for texture if desired.
Step 8 – Finish
Stir in the lager.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Serve immediately while hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Crusty artisan bread
- Garlic toast
- Pretzels
- Bread bowls
- Crackers
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Fresh green salad
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently over low heat.
Avoid boiling to keep the cheese smooth.
If the soup thickens, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth.
Tips for Success
- Freshly grate your own cheddar for the smoothest texture.
- Add the cheese off the heat to prevent a grainy soup.
- Simmer gently after adding the milk—never boil.
- Blend only until smooth; overblending can affect the texture.
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute the lager with additional chicken broth.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the beer?
Yes. Replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth for a family-friendly version.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the richest flavor, but extra-sharp cheddar, white cheddar, or a blend of Canadian cheeses also work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prepare the soup a day ahead and gently reheat before serving.
Why did my cheese become grainy?
Cheese can separate if added over high heat. Remove the soup from the heat before stirring in the cheese for the smoothest consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Canadian Cheese Soup is creamy, rich, and packed with comforting flavors from crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and aromatic vegetables. Whether served as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner with crusty bread, this classic soup is guaranteed to warm you up and satisfy every cheese lover at the table.
