Beer and Cheddar Soup with Smoked Ham
Game Day Soup That Feeds a Crowd
This rich beer and cheddar soup starts with a butter and flour roux, built up with cold chicken broth and Pilsner-style beer, then finished with heavy cream and two pounds of sharp cheddar added in batches for a silky, smooth texture. Diced Jones smoked ham and crispy Jones Dry Aged Bacon go in at the end. It serves 12, making it ideal for game day, cold weather entertaining, or a hearty dinner crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) package Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged Bacon, small diced
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup onion, small diced
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 gallon (16 cups) chicken broth, cold
- 2 (12 oz.) cans or bottles Pilsner-style beer
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 lbs. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 lbs. Jones Dairy Farm Heritage Uncured Half Ham, medium diced
Directions
Place the cubed bacon in the water and slowly bring to a boil. This will render most of the fat out of the bacon. When the water evaporates, only fat will remain. Allow the bacon to fry in its own fat until crispy. Drain and set aside.
Sweat the onion and garlic in butter on medium-low heat until onion is clear and tender. Season. Do not allow the onion or garlic to gain any brown color.
Once ready, add the flour in four batches, stirring constantly. Once fully incorporated, allow to cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
Add COLD chicken broth slowly, being sure to whisk out any clumps. Once fully incorporated, allow to simmer for about one hour over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Strain through a chinoise (fine mesh colander) into another pot. Add the beer once a high simmer is reached. Allow the alcohol to cook out for about 10 minutes.
Add the cream SLOWLY, constantly stirring vigorously. Remove from the heat.
Add the cheese in eight batches, stirring constantly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the diced ham and ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with the crispy bacon pieces previously made. Makes 1 1/2 gallons.
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