Ahhh yes — Canadian Cheese Soup 🧀🍁
Rich, cozy, and very snow-day coded. This is the classic pub-style version you’ll see across Canada, especially out west.
Canadian Cheese Soup (Cheddar & Beer Style)
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 cup beer (lager or pale ale; optional but traditional)
- 2½ cups sharp Canadian cheddar, freshly grated
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional (but very Canadian):
- ¼ cup cooked bacon bits
- Splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in flour; cook 1–2 minutes (no raw flour taste).
- Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.
- Add milk and beer; simmer gently 10 minutes.
- Lower heat. Add cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted.
- Stir in mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust thickness with more milk if needed.
Serve With
- Crusty bread or pretzel rolls
- Garlic toast
- Side salad to pretend it’s balanced
Pro Tips
- Use block cheese, not pre-shredded (melts smoother).
- Keep heat low once cheese goes in — boiling = grainy soup.
- Too thick? Milk. Too thin? More cheese (obviously).
Variations
- 🥦 Broccoli Cheddar Canadian Style
- 🍁 Add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup for depth
- 🌶️ Smoked cheddar or a pinch of cayenne
If you want a beer-free version, slow cooker method, or the exact Banff/Whistler lodge style, say the word 🇨🇦
