If you’re looking for a soup that’s like a warm, cheesy hug on a chilly day, this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, rich, and has that perfect balance of savory squash sweetness and sharp cheese goodness, all elevated by the subtle, malty notes of pumpkin beer. I love this soup because it feels indulgent yet comforting, making it a fantastic option for cozy weekend lunches or an impressive dinner starter when you have friends over.
When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how the brie melts into the cheddar, giving the soup a silky texture that’s hard to beat. Plus, using beer instead of just broth adds depth and a slight twist you don’t get in your typical squash soup. If you want to wow your family or simply treat yourself to something delicious and a little different, this Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe is absolutely worth making.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of brie and cheddar cheese melts into perfection for a velvety smooth soup.
- Unique Beer Twist: Pumpkin beer adds a subtle, malty depth that makes this soup stand out.
- Comforting and Hearty: Butternut squash and broccoli make it a filling and nutritious meal.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It’s an impressive yet easy soup to serve guests and get rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient works together harmoniously to build deep layers of flavor, from fresh herbs that brighten the soup to the combo of cheeses adding creaminess and bite. I recommend using a good-quality pumpkin beer that you enjoy drinking — it really makes a difference.
- Salted butter: Adds a rich base fat for sautéing and flavor, helps carry the herbs.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Balances the butter’s richness and raises the smoke point for sautéing aromatics.
- Yellow onion: Classic aromatic that builds sweet, savory depth when cooked gently.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Offer a subtle earthy note that pairs beautifully with squash.
- Fresh sage: Adds an herbal, slightly peppery edge that complements the cheese.
- Butternut squash: The star ingredient — sweet, creamy, and perfect for pureeing.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a light roux that thickens the soup wonderfully.
- Bone, chicken, or vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base; use what suits your taste or diet.
- Pumpkin beer/cider: Imparts an autumnal maltiness and a touch of sweetness, elevates the whole dish.
- Whole milk: Keeps the soup creamy without heavy cream, adding body and softness.
- Broccoli: Adds a fresh veggie bite and gorgeous color contrast.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and robust—this cheese builds flavor depth.
- Creamy brie: Melts into a luscious texture with a mild nuttiness that shines through.
- Cayenne: Just a pinch to wake up the flavors with gentle heat.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and highlight all ingredients.
Variations
I love tinkering with this soup depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to customize it to your taste — that’s the beauty of a recipe like this!
- Vegan Variation: Swap the butter for coconut oil, use a plant-based milk, and replace cheeses with vegan alternatives; the beer and squash still shine beautifully.
- Spice it Up: If you like heat, add a dash more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce — it adds a nice contrast to the creamy richness.
- Herbal Twist: Try rosemary instead of sage for a piney aroma that pairs surprisingly well with the beer and cheddar.
- Seasonal Add-ins: Toss in some roasted chestnuts or caramelized onions for extra texture and sweetness around the holidays.
How to Make Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Herbs
Start by melting the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Then add your chopped onion along with the fresh thyme and sage leaves. Cook these until they’re soft and fragrant — this usually takes about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen smells incredible and the onions have turned translucent. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Butternut Squash and Flour
Toss in the cubed butternut squash and stir it in with the aromatics, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes. This gives the squash a little toastiness before it stews. Then sprinkle the flour over everything and stir well, cooking it for about 1 minute until golden. This creates a light roux that will thicken your soup beautifully — just keep stirring so it doesn’t burn!
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Beer, Simmer Gently
Next up, add your broth and pumpkin beer (or cider) to the pot. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium and let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender when poked with a fork. This step lets the flavors meld and the alcohol in the beer cook off, leaving just that lovely maltiness behind.
Step 4: Puree the Soup Until Smooth
Once the squash is tender, remove the pot from the heat. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot — which is my favorite and easiest method — or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend it until it’s silky smooth. This step is key if you want a creamy texture without chunks of squash.
Step 5: Stir in Milk, Broccoli, and Cheeses
Return the pureed soup to low heat and gently stir in the whole milk along with the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, and cubed brie. Keep stirring until the cheeses are totally melted and the broccoli softens just a bit — about 5 minutes. The brie adds amazing creaminess and the broccoli gives a fresh texture. Finish by stirring in a pinch of cayenne to add a subtle kick.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you want to amp it up, garnish with a little extra shredded cheddar or a wedge of brie on top. It’s perfect with soft pretzels or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Trust me, this soup is so good you’ll want seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
- Use a Quality Pumpkin Beer: I once tried a bland beer and the soup lacked that signature depth—choose one with good flavor you enjoy drinking for best results.
- Blend in Batches if Needed: Don’t overload the blender; hot soup can splatter and cause mess or burns, so blend carefully or use an immersion blender.
- Add Cheese Slowly: Stir cheese in gradually over low heat to avoid curdling and to ensure a creamy finish.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep it tender but crisp for contrast—overcooked broccoli can become mushy and dull the texture.
How to Serve Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or a small wedge of creamy brie that melts just slightly on contact. For a pop of color and freshness, a few chopped fresh thyme leaves or crispy sage chips add charm and flavor. Sometimes I even sprinkle a few roasted pumpkin seeds for a fun crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with soft pretzels — they soak up the cheese and beer flavors perfectly. Crusty sourdough bread or garlic focaccia are also wonderful for dipping. When I serve this for dinner, I like to have a simple green salad alongside to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving this soup in mini bread bowls for an extra cozy presentation. You can also layer a bit of extra cheese on top and broil for a minute to get a golden crusty finish — like a fancy soup gratin. Adding edible flowers or herb sprigs can make it look festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing to keep freshness and prevent condensation inside the container. It reheats beautifully and sometimes tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
Freezing
This Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe freezes well, but because of the milk and cheeses, texture might slightly change. Freeze the soup before adding the broccoli and cheeses for best results, then thaw and add them fresh when reheating. I’ve found this keeps the soup creamier and more vibrant after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to help the cheese meld smoothly back in. If the soup seems too thick after sitting, thin it with a splash of broth or milk. Avoid high heat or microwave reheating at max power to keep it creamy and prevent curdling.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the pumpkin beer with a non-alcoholic option?
Absolutely! You can replace the pumpkin beer with non-alcoholic beer, apple cider, or even just extra broth combined with a touch of maple syrup or apple juice to mimic that sweetness and depth the beer adds.
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Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie or cheddar?
Yes! Gruyère or fontina are great alternatives that melt beautifully and provide a similar creamy texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may shift slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
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Is it necessary to add broccoli?
No, broccoli adds a nice texture and color, but you can leave it out or substitute with other veggies like spinach or kale, depending on your preferences.
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How spicy is the soup with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne is used sparingly to just enhance the flavor with a gentle warmth, not to make it spicy-hot. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder soup.
Final Thoughts
This Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup Recipe has quietly become a favorite in my kitchen and I think once you try it, you’ll see why. It’s the kind of soup that brings everyone to the table — rich, comforting, and a little unexpected. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, it hits all the right notes. I honestly can’t recommend it enough, so go ahead and give it a try; I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
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
Delight in this rich and creamy Brie and Cheddar Butternut Squash Beer Soup, a comforting blend of sweet butternut squash, sharp cheddar, and smooth brie cheese, enriched with pumpkin beer and aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this soup balances savory and slightly spicy notes for a flavorful experience.
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
Thickening and Liquids
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups bone, chicken, or vegetable broth
- 1 bottle/can (12 ounce) pumpkin beer/cider
- 2 cups whole milk
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces creamy brie, cubed
Seasoning
- 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 leaves, and chopped sage. Cook until the mixture is fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Butternut Squash and Flour: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and toss to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to slightly soften the squash. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook until it turns golden, about 1 minute, to develop flavor and create a roux for thickening.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the broth and pumpkin beer or cider. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered until the butternut squash is tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, ensuring a velvety texture.
- Add Dairy and Vegetables: Return the blended soup to low heat on the stove. Stir in the whole milk, chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed brie. Cook gently while stirring until all the cheese has melted and the soup is thick and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Stir in the cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. Ladle the finished soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar or a wedge of brie, if desired. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by soft pretzels.
Notes
- You can substitute pumpkin beer with hard cider or a mild lager if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
- Broccoli adds a fresh texture; however, you can omit it or substitute with peas or spinach for variation.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your spice tolerance.
- This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or soft pretzels for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg