If you’re after a soup that’s cozy, creamy, and has that little unexpected twist, this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the sweetness of roasted butternut squash blends with the savory depth of sharp cheddar and smooth brie, all beautifully rounded out by a splash of pumpkin beer—yes, beer! It’s comfort food elevated to something a bit more special, perfect for chilly nights or when you want to sip something that feels indulgent but still wholesome.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how well the beer enhanced the flavors without overpowering the soup. You’ll find that this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe works wonders as a cozy dinner, a warm-up for fall gatherings, or even a fancy appetizer when you want to impress friends without stressing in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easier than you’d think to pull off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Combination: The blend of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and savory beer brings a unique depth you’ll crave.
- Comforting Yet Sophisticated: Perfect for cozy nights but fancy enough to serve company without fuss.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with fresh herbs making it doable for weeknights.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easy to tweak based on what cheese or beer you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe all work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. The key is balancing the sweetness of the squash with the richness from the cheeses and the subtle bitterness from the beer, plus the fresh herbs really lift it all.
- Salted butter: Adds creaminess and richness, helping those herbs and squash flavors pop.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Balances the butter’s richness and helps sauté the onion gently.
- Yellow onion: The base flavor, giving sweetness and depth once softened.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Earthy herb that pairs perfectly with butternut squash.
- Fresh sage: Adds an aromatic, slightly peppery note that’s magical with squash and cheese.
- Butternut squash: The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and body to the soup.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for that creamy texture we love.
- Broth (bone, chicken, or vegetable): Adds savory depth; I usually use vegetable to keep it flexible.
- Pumpkin beer or cider: This is where the soup gets that unique twist – choose your favorite seasonal brew!
- Whole milk: Keeps the soup silky without being too heavy.
- Chopped broccoli: Adds a little green and nice texture contrast.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness that melts into creamy goodness.
- Creamy brie: Cubed for melt-in-your-mouth luxury.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a touch for warmth and a gentle kick.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential to season and balance flavors.
Variations
I love encouraging folks to play around with this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe because that’s the fun of cooking. You can easily swap cheeses, try different beers, or add veggies depending on what’s in your fridge and what flavors you want to highlight.
- Cheese swap: Switching sharp cheddar for smoked gouda gives it a lovely smoky touch that my family loves.
- Beer alternatives: Tried a wheat beer once and it brought a fruitier twist that was quite refreshing!
- Vegan adaptation: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and omit cheese or add a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy.
- Spicy version: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you’re a heat lover like me.
How to Make Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by melting the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion along with fresh thyme and sage, and cook gently for around 5 minutes until everything smells fragrant and the onions are soft but not browned. This step is crucial to layer in that herby aroma that makes this soup so memorable.
Step 2: Add Butternut Squash and Thicken
Next, add your cubed butternut squash and give everything a good toss so the spices and onions coat the squash nicely. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes just to start softening the edges, then sprinkle in your flour and stir for about a minute until it’s golden and fragrant—this step helps thicken the soup later and prevents floury lumps.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beer, Simmer Away
Pour in the broth and your choice of pumpkin beer or cider, then season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium, and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the squash is tender. This simmering stage lets all those flavors marry while softening the squash perfectly for blending.
Step 4: Puree the Soup
Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully ladle the soup into a standing blender in batches. I find this is the moment where the magic really happens—the velvety texture sets this soup apart.
Step 5: Melt Cheese and Add Greens
Return the soup to low heat, then stir in whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, and creamy cubes of brie. Let everything melt gently until the cheese blends smoothly, making the soup wonderfully creamy. Finally, stir in a pinch of cayenne for a subtle warmth that’s just the right touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or a little wedge of brie on top. My family goes crazy for this with soft pretzels on the side—it’s my favorite way to turn a simple meal into a little celebration.
Pro Tips for Making Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
- Choosing Your Beer: I prefer pumpkin beer for its sweet-spicy notes, but a dry cider works great if you want less sweetness.
- Pureeing Perfectly: Blend the soup until fully smooth but leave a tiny bit of texture by stopping short of complete liquid puree.
- Melting Cheese Gently: Add cheese on low heat stirring often to avoid graininess or separation.
- Avoiding Overcooking: Don’t simmer with cheese added—just melt it at the end to keep it creamy and fresh-tasting.
How to Serve Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top this soup with a little extra shredded cheddar or a thin slice of brie that melts on contact for that luscious finish. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few thyme leaves also brighten the bowl. For crunch, toasted pepitas or crispy bacon bits can take it to the next level.
Side Dishes
Soft pretzels are my absolute fave pairing here—they soak up every bit of the creamy soup. Crusty artisan bread or garlic bread work beautifully too. On lighter days, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette gives a nice contrast to this rich soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls for a fun, rustic look that impresses guests. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs adds a touch of elegance. Offering a small shot glass of the same beer alongside is a cute way to echo the flavors and make it interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after a day or so, making it a perfect lunch or easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
Freezing works well but since the soup contains dairy, I recommend freezing before adding cheese and milk. Then, thaw and stir in cheeses fresh to maintain that creamy texture without graininess.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick. Avoid microwaving at full power as it can break down the dairy and make the texture grainy.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of cheese in this soup?
Absolutely! While brie and cheddar provide a creamy and sharp combo, you can experiment with gouda, fontina, or even blue cheese to tailor the flavor. Just keep in mind how strong the cheese flavor is to avoid overpowering the soup.
-
What if I don’t have pumpkin beer? Can I substitute something else?
You can swap pumpkin beer for a mild pale ale, a hard apple cider, or even more broth with a splash of apple juice for sweetness. The beer adds depth and subtle spice, but you can adapt depending on what’s available.
-
Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives, and skip the cheeses or use vegan cheese substitutes. The soup’s flavor will be different but still tasty, especially with plenty of herbs and seasoning.
-
Is it necessary to puree the soup?
Pureeing is what gives this soup its smooth, luxurious texture, but if you prefer a chunkier style, you can partially blend it or leave it chunky by mashing the squash with a fork. Just know it won’t be as creamy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t emphasize enough how this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe has become one of my family’s favorites—comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. The way those cheeses melt into the creamy squash base with a hint of beer flavor is downright magical. I truly hope you try it soon because it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and sharing it with friends only makes it better!
PrintBrie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup combines rich cheeses with the subtle sweetness of butternut squash and a hint of pumpkin beer for a comforting, flavorful bowl. Perfectly spiced with fresh thyme, sage, and a touch of cayenne, this soup is creamy, cheesy, and ideal for warming up on chilly days.
Ingredients
Base and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
Cheeses and Seasonings
- 2–3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces creamy brie, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt together the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, fresh thyme, and chopped sage, cooking until fragrant and the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Butternut Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot, toss to combine, and cook for 1-2 minutes to slightly soften the squash.
- Add Flour and Liquid: Stir in the flour and cook until it turns golden, about 1 minute. Then pour in the broth and pumpkin beer or cider, stirring to combine. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to medium, and cook uncovered until the butternut squash is tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Puree Soup: Remove the soup from heat and puree it until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Add Dairy and Broccoli: Return the pureed soup to the stove on low heat. Stir in the whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed brie, stirring until the cheeses melt and soup becomes creamy.
- Final Seasoning: Add cayenne pepper and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the finished soup into bowls, optionally topping with extra shredded cheddar or a wedge of brie. Best enjoyed with soft pretzels on the side.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture; substitute with a lower-fat milk if desired but the soup may be less rich.
- Feel free to swap pumpkin beer with a light lager or hard cider if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and confirm the cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
- The cayenne pepper adds a mild heat; adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
- Broccoli adds a nice texture contrast, but can be omitted or replaced with other vegetables like kale or spinach.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg