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Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for that cozy, comforting soup to elevate your chilly evenings, then you have to try this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug — rich, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor. The mix of butternut squash’s natural sweetness with the tangy bite of cheddar and the softness of brie cheese literally dances on your tongue, making it perfect for dinner parties or a quiet night in.

What makes this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe really stand out is that splash of pumpkin beer or cider, adding a subtle depth that you don’t get from your typical creamy soup. I remember the first time I made this for friends; they couldn’t stop remarking how something so simple was bursting with complex tastes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this soup is totally approachable and always impresses.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Creaminess: The combination of creamy brie and sharp cheddar melts perfectly to create a rich texture without overpowering the squash.
  • Flavor Depth: Pumpkin beer adds that unique autumnal note, elevating the soup beyond your average cheese soup.
  • Bright Herbs: Fresh thyme and sage brighten the dish, balancing the richness and complementing the squash beautifully.
  • Easy Purée Technique: The step of pureeing ensures a smooth, velvety base that’s approachable for any home cook.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe plays a role in crafting that luxurious, full-bodied flavor. I like to start with a good quality butternut squash — the sweeter, the better — and fresh herbs to bring brightness. Also, don’t skip the beer; it’s the secret that lifts this soup from just good to unforgettable.

  • Salted butter: Adds depth of flavor and richness right from the start.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Balances the butter and helps sauté the aromatics without burning.
  • Yellow onion: Provides a natural sweetness that melds with the squash.
  • Fresh thyme leaves: Brightens the soup with an earthy, herbal touch.
  • Fresh sage: Adds a warm, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with squash.
  • Butternut squash: The star of the show—sweet, creamy, and velvety when cooked and pureed.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup and gives it body.
  • Bone, chicken, or vegetable broth: I prefer bone broth for deeper flavor, but veg broth works well if you’re vegetarian.
  • Pumpkin beer or cider: Brings unexpected autumnal sweetness and spice—adds a fun twist!
  • Whole milk: Makes the soup creamy without being too heavy.
  • Broccoli: Adds a nice pop of green and texture contrast; don’t overcook it.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharpness that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
  • Brie: Creamy and decadent, melting effortlessly for that luscious finish.
  • Cayenne pepper: Just a hint to balance the sweetness with a touch of heat.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, so don’t be shy.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe depending on the season and who I’m serving. Sometimes, I swap out the pumpkin beer for a hardy cider for a fruitier profile, or add a handful of roasted crumbled bacon to give it a smoky edge. The beauty of this soup is how adaptable it is, so you can tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs without losing its charm.

  • Vegetarian Variation: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon additions for a vegetarian-friendly soup that’s just as delicious.
  • Spice Level: If you like it spicy, try increasing the cayenne or stirring in some smoked paprika.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap milk for coconut cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, although it won’t be quite the same luxurious melt.
  • Seasonal Swap: In winter, add roasted chestnuts or swap broccoli for kale for heartier greens.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by melting the salted butter with olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped yellow onion, fresh thyme, and sage, cooking gently until they smell fragrant and the onions turn translucent—about 5 minutes. This slow sauté really unlocks the aroma and lays the foundation for your soup’s depth. A good stir here prevents the onions from browning too fast and keeps flavors mellow.

Step 2: Add Butternut Squash and Flour

Toss in your cubed butternut squash and give everything a good mix. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the squash mingle with the herbs and onion. Now sprinkle the flour evenly over the pot and stir continuously until it turns a nice, golden hue (about 1 minute). This step helps thicken your soup later on, so don’t rush it; watch carefully so the flour doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beer, Simmer

Slowly add your broth and pumpkin beer or cider to the pot, stirring as you go to combine everything smoothly. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Bring your soup mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium and let it cook uncovered until the butternut squash is tender—around 15 minutes. This simmer lets all the flavors soften and marry, so be patient and resist the urge to rush!

Step 4: Puree the Soup

Once the squash is soft, remove the pot from heat and blend the soup until silky smooth. You can use a stand blender in batches or an immersion blender right in the pot. I prefer the immersion blender because it’s quick and less messy, but either way works great. Just be careful blending hot liquids—work in small batches or vent the blender lid slightly to avoid splashes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Milk, and Veggies

Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, and cubes of creamy brie. Keep stirring gently until the cheeses fully melt into the soup, creating that velvety texture everyone loves. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that balances the creamy richness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking your time with the onions and herbs develops a richer flavor that comes through brilliantly in the final soup.
  • Smooth Puree Boosts Texture: Using an immersion blender lets you get the soup perfectly smooth without dirtying extra dishes.
  • Add Cheese Off the Heat: To avoid grainy cheese, add it once the soup is on low heat and stir gently until melted.
  • Mind Your Seasoning: Taste at different points, especially after adding the beer and cheese, so you can season gradually and perfectly.

How to Serve Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with thick, creamy orange soup with a smooth texture and small bits of herbs visible throughout. Each bowl has a piece of twisted pretzel bread partly dipped into the soup, showing a golden brown crust with coarse salt on top and soft inside. Fresh green herb sprigs are scattered on the soup surface as garnish. The bowls rest on a soft, crumpled beige cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. Some crumbs and small drops of soup are near the bowls, adding a casual, cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically top each bowl with a little extra shredded cheddar or a small wedge of creamy brie—it looks pretty and adds a final melty indulgence as you dig in. Fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper also brighten things up nicely. These simple garnishes really turn the soup into a showstopper without complicating prep.

Side Dishes

Soft pretzels are my absolute favorite side here—their salty chew pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. But crusty artisan bread or garlic rolls work just as well. For a lighter side, a crisp apple and fennel salad can cut through the richness beautifully, especially in the fall when apples are at their peak.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy dinner parties, I like serving the soup in mini pumpkin-shaped bowls or hollowed-out small squashes for a festive touch. Adding a small pretzel stick as a “spoon” or placing a tiny thyme sprig over the top makes it feel special and seasonal. It’s such a delight your guests will remember!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the cheese and broth. It thickens a bit in the fridge, so you might want to add a splash of milk or broth when warming it back up.

Freezing

While cheese-based soups don’t always freeze perfectly, this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe does okay if you freeze it without the cheese and add it fresh upon reheating. Freeze the pureed soup in portions, then stir in the milk and cheeses when warming. This method keeps the texture creamy and bright.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to keep the cheese smooth and avoid curdling. Avoid microwaving if possible, but if you do, stop and stir every 30 seconds. Adding a little extra broth or milk while reheating helps the soup regain its silky texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different kind of beer or cider in this soup?

    Absolutely! While pumpkin beer or cider adds a unique seasonal flavor, you can substitute with a light ale, a mild lager, or even a non-alcoholic apple cider. Just avoid extremely bitter or hoppy beers that might overpower the soup’s sweetness.

  2. How do I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

    Use vegetable broth in place of bone or chicken broth, and substitute milk with unsweetened plant milk like oat or almond. For a vegan cheese option, try dairy-free cheddar and brie alternatives, though the soup will taste a bit different but still delightful.

  3. Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?

    You can chop the vegetables and shred the cheese a day ahead. Also, the soup base (before adding milk and cheese) can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just warm it up and finish by stirring in the dairy and cheese right before serving.

  4. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

    No problem! Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree until smooth. Just be cautious with hot liquids: blend in smaller portions and vent the lid to avoid splashes.

  5. Is the broccoli necessary, or can I swap it out?

    The broccoli adds a lovely texture and fresh pop, but you can swap it with other veggies like kale, spinach, or green beans. Just add them towards the end of cooking so they stay bright and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to cozy comfort foods during cooler months — there’s something so soul-satisfying about the creamy, cheesy richness balanced with fresh herbs and that unique beer twist. I love sharing this with friends because it feels special but is oh-so-simple to pull off. Give it a try next time you want a comforting meal that feels like a little celebration in a bowl. I promise, you’ll keep coming back for more.

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Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • 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 butternut squash soup enhanced with the unique flavors of pumpkin beer, creamy brie, and sharp cheddar cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy fall meal, combining hearty squash and aromatic herbs with a smooth cheesy finish.


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

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, fresh thyme, and sage leaves. Cook until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Butternut Squash and Flour: Toss in the cubed butternut squash and cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook until it turns golden, approximately 1 minute, to form a roux base.
  3. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the broth and the pumpkin beer or cider. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low and cook uncovered until the squash is tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy, ensuring no chunks remain.
  5. Add Final Ingredients: Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed brie. Cook gently while stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the soup is creamy.
  6. Season and Serve: Add the cayenne pepper and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheddar or a wedge of brie. Serve immediately with soft pretzels for a perfect accompaniment.

Notes

  • Use bone, chicken, or vegetable broth depending on your preference; vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly if cheese types are considered.
  • For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of milk or add more flour at the roux stage cautiously.
  • Pureeing can be done in batches with a regular blender if you do not have an immersion blender.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne to your desired spice level or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • If you want a lower-fat version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk and reduce butter or use olive oil only.
  • Soft pretzels or crusty bread are great pairings that complement the creamy texture and rich flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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