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Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe

Trust me when I say this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is one of those cozy, soul-satisfying dishes you’ll want to make on repeat. The way the creamy brie and sharp cheddar melt into the roasted sweetness of butternut squash, all elevated with a splash of pumpkin beer, creates a flavor combo that’s seriously next-level. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting yet a little bit special.

I remember the first time I made this soup, and honestly, it instantly became a go-to for hosting friends or just curling up with a good book. What I love is how this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe manages to feel both rustic and gourmet at the same time — the richness, the herbs, that gentle heat from the cayenne all balance beautifully. Plus, it’s straightforward enough that even if you’re new to cooking with beer in soups, you’ll find success here!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Comforting Flavor Harmony: The blend of creamy cheeses with butternut squash and beer creates a rich, balanced taste.
  • Simple yet Sophisticated: While it feels fancy, this soup uses everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether weeknight dinner or weekend get-together, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
  • Perfect Texture: Pureeing the squash with a mix of cheeses and milk delivers a silky, luscious soup every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe plays a key role, coming together with balance and depth. I always recommend using fresh herbs and a good quality pumpkin beer to really lift the flavors.

  • Salted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics beautifully.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Balances the butter’s creaminess with a subtle fruity note.
  • Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base, caramelizing slightly for depth.
  • Fresh thyme leaves: Bright herbaceousness that complements both squash and cheese.
  • Fresh sage: Earthy and slightly peppery, sage pairs wonderfully with autumn flavors.
  • Butternut squash: Naturally sweet, it’s the heart of the soup offering creaminess when pureed.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, creating that velvety texture we all love.
  • Bone, chicken, or vegetable broth: Builds flavor and adds savory backbone.
  • Pumpkin beer or cider: Brings subtle spice and a touch of fall festive flair.
  • Whole milk: Enhances creaminess without overpowering the cheese flavors.
  • Chopped broccoli: Adds a slight crunch and fresh green flavor for contrast.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness that brings punch and melds into a smooth melt.
  • Creamy brie: Lush meltiness and buttery flavor boost richness uniquely.
  • Cayenne: Just a pinch to lightly kick up warmth without overwhelming.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and bring out all the flavors.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is — you can easily tailor it to fit what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Don’t be shy about playing with the herb combinations or cheese ratios to make it truly your own.

  • Variation: Once I swapped sage for rosemary, giving the soup a piney twist; it was a hit with guests who enjoy bolder herbal notes.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Try substituting plant-based milk and cheese to keep it creamy without dairy — just pick a robust vegan cheddar.
  • Seasonal Switch-Up: If you want, pumpkin or acorn squash can replace butternut but expect a slightly different texture.
  • Make it Heartier: Stir in cooked sausage or bacon bits for an extra layer of savory goodness when you want a full meal.

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

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor

First things first, melt the salted butter and olive oil together over medium heat in a large pot. I find that this combo adds both richness and a fresh touch. Toss in the chopped onion, fresh thyme, and sage, then cook until everything smells wonderfully fragrant—about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this; letting the herbs and onion soften develops a great flavor foundation.

Step 2: Bring in the Butternut Squash and Make It Thick

Add the cubed butternut squash, tossing to coat in that herb-butter mixture, and let it cook for a couple minutes. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute until it turns golden—this little step helps thicken the soup perfectly later on. If your flour lumps a bit, no worries — just stir it well and keep the heat moderate.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beer for That Signature Flavor

Slowly add the broth and your pumpkin beer or cider, season with salt and pepper, and bring it all to a simmer. Lower the heat and let the soup cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the butternut squash is fork-tender. This step is where the beer’s subtle spices partially soak in, layering that unique depth on the sweet squash.

Step 4: Puree and Enrich with Milk and Cheese

Remove from heat and either puree the soup carefully in batches in a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot — whatever you prefer. Then set the pot back on low heat, stir in whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, and creamy brie cubes. Keep stirring gently until the cheeses melt fully and the soup is luscious and creamy. Finish with a pinch of cayenne for warmth without overpowering the smooth flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, top with a little extra cheddar or a slice of brie. I like serving it alongside soft pretzels for that cozy, hearty vibe. Grab a spoon and don’t be surprised if you want seconds (or thirds!).

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Pro Tips for Making Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe

  • Use a Good Quality Beer: I’ve found that a flavorful pumpkin beer or cider really lifts this soup—avoid cheap bland beers for best results.
  • Sauté Herbs Early: Cooking thyme and sage with the onions releases the essential oils and aroma that make the base so savory.
  • Blend Smooth, But Don’t Overdo: Puree until silky but still slightly textured to keep an inviting mouthfeel.
  • Add Cheese at Low Heat: To prevent curdling, melt cheddar and brie in gentle heat while stirring continuously.

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 usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a small wedge of brie on top—this melts slightly into the hot soup and looks so inviting. If I’m feeling fancy, I add a little chopped fresh thyme or a drizzle of olive oil. For a pop of texture, toasted pepitas or crumbled bacon work beautifully as well.

Side Dishes

Soft pretzels are my top pick since they complement the cheesy, beer-friendly flavors perfectly. Crusty artisan bread or a buttery garlic baguette also pairs well if you want something simpler. For a lighter option, I serve this soup alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or dinner parties, I love serving the soup in mini pumpkin-shaped bowls or hollowed-out small pumpkins for that festive fall wow factor. Another fun idea is to swirl in a bit of crème fraîche or a dusting of smoked paprika right before serving. These small touches really make it feel special and memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep that cheesy creaminess intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully, although sometimes the texture shifts slightly due to the cheese and milk. Make sure to cool it completely, then freeze in portioned containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove, stirring well to reincorporate any separation.

Reheating

Reheat the soup over low to medium-low heat, stirring often. Adding a little splash of milk or broth can help restore creaminess if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid boiling which could curdle the cheese; slow and gentle warming is key.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute different types of cheese in this soup?

    Absolutely! While brie and cheddar give this soup its signature richness and tang, you can swap in gouda, fontina, or even a sharp gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best texture.

  2. What kind of beer works best for this soup?

    A pumpkin beer or a spiced cider beer pairs beautifully because it adds subtle fall spices and sweetness that complement the squash. However, you can experiment with amber ales or brown ales if you prefer something less sweet but still malty.

  3. Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

    It can be! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken or bone broth, and double-check that your beer and cheeses fit your dietary preferences. The recipe is quite adaptable for vegetarians.

  4. How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?

    Stir in the cheese slowly over low heat, and avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy. Gentle warmth preserves that silky texture and prevents separation.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels like a hug in a bowl — full of cozy flavors with just the right amount of indulgence. I hope you’ll try it for your next chilly night in or when entertaining friends. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but feels easy and fun to make, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself going back for seconds too.

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Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • 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 Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the sharpness of cheddar and the smoothness of brie, enhanced by a splash of pumpkin beer for a unique flavor twist. Perfect for cozy dinners and pairs wonderfully with soft pretzels.


Ingredients

Main 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
  • 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
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces creamy brie, cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Heat and Sauté: Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped sage, cooking until fragrant for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add Squash and Flour: Stir in the cubed butternut squash and toss to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then mix in the all-purpose flour and cook until the mixture turns golden, approximately 1 minute.
  3. Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the broth and pumpkin beer or cider. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered until the butternut squash is tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Blend Soup: Remove the pot from heat and puree the soup using a blender or immersion blender until smooth.
  5. Add Dairy and Veggies: Return the pureed soup to low heat on the stove. Stir in whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed brie. Cook gently, stirring frequently until the cheeses are melted and the soup is creamy.
  6. Season and Serve: Add cayenne pepper to taste, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with extra cheddar cheese or a wedge of brie. Serve warm, ideally alongside soft pretzels.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, increase the amount of flour slightly or reduce the broth.
  • You can substitute pumpkin beer with a mild cider or a lager beer if preferred.
  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Ensure the brie is creamy and rind-free for better melting.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Soft pretzels are a great accessory to balance the richness of the soup.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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