I absolutely love how this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe brings together the cozy flavors of fall with a cheesy, creamy twist. There’s something about the mix of mellow butternut squash and sharp cheddar, softened by the luxurious creaminess of brie, that just hits all the right notes. Plus, adding pumpkin beer or cider gives it a wonderfully unique depth that you won’t find in your everyday soup.
When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became one of my go-to comfort foods for chilly evenings or casual dinner parties. You’ll find that it’s rich and satisfying yet brightened up by fresh herbs and a touch of spice. It’s perfect for impressing guests who appreciate something a little different but still familiar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Harmonious Flavor Blend: The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy brie creates a rich, velvety texture with layers of delicious flavor.
- Unique Twist with Pumpkin Beer: Adding pumpkin beer or cider gives the soup a subtle, seasonal sweetness and a hint of malt that’s truly memorable.
- Simple Yet Elegant: This soup looks and tastes fancy but comes together with straightforward ingredients and easy steps, making it accessible for home cooks.
- Versatile Comfort Food: Great for a cozy weeknight dinner, an appetizer for a fall party, or even a lunch that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here create a luscious soup that’s full-bodied and comforting. The balance of fresh herbs, hearty butternut squash, and cheeses makes each spoonful satisfying, and choosing a flavorful pumpkin beer really amps up the seasonal vibes. When shopping, look for a good quality brie that’s creamy but not overly runny, and pick a cheddar that melts nicely—aged sharp cheddar works beautifully.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps develop a flavorful base when combined with olive oil.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides depth and mellows the aromatics without overpowering them.
- Yellow onion: A classic soup starter, it sweetens as it cooks, creating a great foundation.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Bring a bright, earthy note that complements butternut squash perfectly.
- Fresh sage: Adds a hint of warmth and mild bitterness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Cubed butternut squash: The star ingredient—sweet, earthy, and creates a silky texture when pureed.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly for that comforting, creamy consistency.
- Bone, chicken, or vegetable broth: Choose one based on preference; I like chicken for extra savoriness.
- Pumpkin beer or cider: Introduces complex autumnal flavors and a subtle tang.
- Whole milk: Softens the soup and adds creaminess without heaviness.
- Chopped broccoli: Adds a pop of green and a little texture contrast.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly for rich, cheesy goodness throughout.
- Creamy brie, cubed: Melts gently for indulgent pockets of flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Gives just a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Variations
I love how versatile this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you want to play with the type of cheese, swap out the broth, or add in different veggies, this recipe welcomes personalization and experimentation.
- Cheese swaps: I’ve tried mixing in smoked gouda or pepper jack for a smoky or spicy kick, which my family adored.
- Dairy-free option: You can skip the milk and cheese to make it vegan-friendly by using a plant-based milk and nutritional yeast instead.
- Seasonal greens: Adding kale or spinach in place of broccoli works well if you want a different texture and color.
- Spice level: Feel free to tweak the cayenne—sometimes I add a pinch more for a noticeable but friendly heat that wakes up the flavors.
How to Make Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté your aromatics and butternut squash
Start by melting the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat—I love this combo because it balances flavor and the high smoke point helps avoid burning. Add the chopped yellow onion, fresh thyme leaves, and sage and cook until everything is fragrant and the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Then toss in your cubed butternut squash and cook for another minute or two to lightly toast it, which builds extra flavor before adding liquids.
Step 2: Thicken and simmer your soup base
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir for about a minute until it turns a beautiful golden color—this helps thicken the soup naturally. Slowly pour in your broth and pumpkin beer or cider while stirring to prevent lumps. Season now with kosher salt and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered until the butternut squash is tender, usually about 15 minutes. This simmer is where the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
Step 3: Purée and enrich with cheese and milk
Remove the pot from heat and either use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender—it should be silky smooth. Return the soup to low heat and stir in the whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, and cubed brie. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns luscious and creamy. Finish off with a pinch of cayenne to add that little spark of warmth.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Ladle your Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup into bowls and top with a bit more shredded cheddar or a small wedge of brie for that extra cheesy appeal. I love enjoying this soup with soft pretzels or crusty bread on the side—it’s simply irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and sage make a huge difference in flavor compared to dried, so don’t skip them if you can help it.
- Blend in Batches Carefully: When pureeing hot soup, blend in small batches and vent the blender lid slightly to avoid splatters.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Using good quality brie leads to a smoother texture and a creamier finish that everyone notices.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli at the very end and just cook until tender to keep its vibrant color and slight crunch.
How to Serve Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my soup with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a small wedge of brie, which slowly melts on the steaming soup—it’s an indulgent touch. Sometimes I toss on a few crispy sage leaves or a dash of smoked paprika for contrast. A little cracked black pepper and fresh thyme sprigs also brighten up the bowl beautifully.
Side Dishes
Soft pretzels are my go-to side here because their saltiness and chewiness pair perfectly with the creamy soup. But crusty French bread or even garlic knots also hold up well for dipping. If you want a light salad on the side, something simple like arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances all that richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out pumpkins, which make a festive and inviting presentation. Garnishing with a drizzle of truffle oil or smoked sea salt adds a gourmet flair that impresses guests. You can also layer shredded cheese and herbs on top right before serving to add an extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before reheating because the cheese can settle at the bottom.
Freezing
Freezing this soup works, but I’ve found the texture is best if you freeze before adding the cheese and milk. Freeze the puréed soup in portions, then thaw and add the dairy when reheating. This helps keep the creamy texture smooth instead of grainy.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of milk if it feels too thick and whisk to bring back that luscious creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly if possible, as it can lead to uneven heating and curdling.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of beer or cider in the soup?
Absolutely! While pumpkin beer or cider adds a seasonal flair, you can substitute with a mild lager, ale, or even a hard apple cider. Just look for something not too bitter or overpowering to keep that balanced flavor.
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Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping out the milk for your favorite plant-based milk like oat or almond, and replacing cheeses with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast, you can create a dairy-free version that’s still creamy and flavorful.
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Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep the sautéed aromatics and cooked butternut squash base a day ahead, refrigerate it, then blend and add cheese and milk just before serving for the freshest taste.
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What’s the best way to get a smooth soup texture?
Using an immersion blender right in the pot works wonderfully and saves time, but if you want an ultra-smooth texture, blending in batches in a high-speed blender is your best bet. Just be careful when blending hot liquids!
Final Thoughts
This Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want to both comfort myself and impress at the same time. It’s cozy, flavorful, and genuinely easy to make, which I appreciate when life gets busy. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might find it becoming your family’s new favorite too!
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
Description
This rich and creamy Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup is a comforting blend of roasted butternut squash, sharp cheddar, and smooth brie cheese, enhanced with fresh herbs and a splash of pumpkin beer for a unique depth of flavor. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup balances sweetness from the squash and beer with savory cheese and warming spices, served best with soft pretzels.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 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 and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat and sauté aromatics: 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 onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Add butternut squash and flour: Stir in the cubed butternut squash and toss to combine, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns golden, about 1 minute. This helps to thicken the soup later.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the broth and the pumpkin beer or cider. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Let the soup cook uncovered until the butternut squash is tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Puree the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using either a blender in batches or an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
- Incorporate milk, vegetables, and cheese: Return the pureed soup to low heat on the stove. Stir in the whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed brie. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the cheeses melt into a creamy consistency.
- Season and serve: Add cayenne pepper for a slight kick and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar or a wedge of brie. Serve warm, ideally alongside soft pretzels.
Notes
- Use bone, chicken, or vegetable broth based on dietary preference.
- The pumpkin beer or cider adds unique sweetness and depth—substitute with a mild beer or apple cider if unavailable.
- For a thicker soup, increase the flour slightly or reduce the broth.
- Broccoli adds a pop of color and texture, but can be substituted with other vegetables like kale or spinach.
- Be careful when blending hot soup to avoid splatters—blend in batches or use an immersion blender.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to desired spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Soft pretzels are the perfect accompaniment but optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg