This Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup is bursting with smoked sausage, sharp cheddar and beer that’s stick to your ribs hearty and delicious!
Hearty Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup: Your Ultimate Game Day Comfort
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind: game day! Whether you’re gathering with friends for a lively football match or settling in for a cozy evening at home, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And when it comes to combining robust flavors with satisfying heartiness, our Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup truly stands out. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, overflowing with savory smoked sausage, sharp cheddar, and a delightful hint of beer that will warm you from the inside out.
Picture this: it’s Saturday, and the big game is on. Where can you find us and our closest friends? Gathered around the TV, passionately rooting for our team, all while devouring generous bowls of this unbelievably delicious Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories. This soup isn’t just good; it’s the star player of any homegating or tailgating event.
While I may not have grown up directly in Wisconsin, my Midwestern roots run deep, just a few hours south of the border. This proximity meant frequent trips to grab some of the best cheese around, a tradition that instilled in me a profound appreciation for dairy delights. However, don’t mistake our love for cheese as an allegiance to every team up north! We hail from Chicago, Illinois, and proudly sport our city’s colors. Our passion for good food, especially cheese-centric dishes, is simply a part of our regional heritage.
Why This Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup is a Game Day Must-Have
Regardless of which team you cheer for, one universal truth remains: the food at any gathering needs to be exceptional. With the weather officially shifting to cooler temperatures, bringing a warm, comforting dish to game day is always a winning strategy. I have a particular fondness for soups, be it a slow cooker full of robust Chili, a creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, or, of course, this incredible Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup. Each one promises a delightful embrace of comfort food, but this particular recipe offers a unique blend of flavors that truly satisfies.
When we host game day at our house, I love to create an abundant spread of various delicious foods, with one dish proudly taking center stage. Alongside the star attraction, I ensure there are plenty of chips, flavorful dips, an assortment of appetizers, refreshing drinks, and a tempting dessert. It’s all about creating an inviting and satisfying experience for our guests.
To stock up on all our game day essentials, my first stop is always Meijer. For us, this means grabbing a few packs of Diet Dr Pepper from the soda aisle. It’s a fan favorite, not just for my husband but for many of our guests, and it perfectly complements the festive atmosphere of tailgating and homegating events throughout the college football season. The football-themed packaging on the Dr Pepper bottles and cans adds a fun, festive touch, making them both a refreshing beverage and a subtle part of our décor.
Crafting the Perfect Bowl: Key Ingredients and Flavors
One of the heroes of this soup is Eckrich Smoked Sausage. I always make sure to grab a few varieties from the packaged meat aisle at Meijer because it’s not just amazing in this soup; its versatility makes it perfect for tailgating skewers or a quick family dinner. Eckrich Smoked Sausage is naturally hardwood smoked and meticulously crafted with just the right blend of spices, delivering a truly rich, savory taste that elevates any dish it’s in.
Living in the Midwest, where temperatures can drop significantly, a delicious, warming soup is perpetually a good idea. Our Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup is a perennial favorite, designed to tackle the chill with its array of hearty ingredients. It’s generously filled with robust Eckrich Smoked Sausage, vibrant broccoli, sweet carrots, a distinct beer flavor, and a generous amount of sharp, creamy cheese. Every spoonful is a testament to comfort and flavor.
We absolutely love to top our soup with a handful of crunchy popcorn and, of course, extra cheese curds. Because in our world, you can never have too much cheese or too much football! This soup is ready to be enjoyed, so grab a spoon and dig in!
Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup
Achieving the perfect Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup involves a few simple steps and thoughtful considerations. For the beer, opt for a light red or brown ale. These varieties add a wonderful depth of flavor without overpowering the cheese and sausage. Avoid anything too bitter or hoppy, as it can make the soup taste unbalanced. The cheese choice is also crucial; sharp cheddar provides that distinct, tangy cheesy goodness, while cream cheese ensures a silky-smooth, luxurious texture that makes this soup so irresistible.
Don’t rush the sautéing process for your vegetables. Allowing the onions, garlic, broccoli, and carrots to soften slightly before adding other ingredients builds a foundational layer of flavor. When incorporating the flour, whisk it well to create a roux; this is key to thickening the soup and preventing lumps. Slowly adding the milk while stirring continuously will help achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. And remember, once the cheese is added, keep the heat low and stir gently until it’s fully melted to prevent it from seizing.
This soup is remarkably forgiving and offers ample opportunities for customization. If you prefer a richer, smokier flavor, you could try a spicier smoked sausage. For added vegetables, consider diced potatoes, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end. Make it your own, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite toppings beyond popcorn and cheese curds. Crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream would also be fantastic!
Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Meg | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 8 servings
This smoked sausage and beer cheese soup is bursting with smoked sausage, sharp cheddar and beer that’s stick to your ribs hearty and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 13 ounces Eckrich Smoked Sausage, sliced into ½” pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup beer (choose a light red or brown ale)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in broccoli florets and shredded carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle the flour, dry mustard, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture and prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir.
- Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup base. This will add a rich, creamy texture.
- Add the sliced Eckrich Smoked Sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, chicken stock, and beer. Stir all ingredients together and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency and is heated through (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Serve hot. Top individual servings generously with popcorn, additional shredded cheese, or, for the ultimate indulgence, authentic cheese curds!
Courses Dinner
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 363 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 22 g | 34% | |
Saturated Fat 11 g | 55% | |
Cholesterol 80 mg | 27% | |
Sodium 1128 mg | 47% | |
Total Carbohydrates 21 g | 7% | |
Dietary Fiber 3 g | 12% | |
Sugars 10 g | ||
Protein 21 g | 42% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
This Smoked Sausage and Beer Cheese Soup is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s bursting with the smoky goodness of sausage, the rich tang of sharp cheddar, and the subtle, earthy notes of beer, all combined into a thick, creamy soup that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest appetites. This is the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs deliciousness that truly gets you pumped for an exciting game day or any chilly evening.
Your Game Day Shopping List: Don’t Miss Out!
Before your next game day gathering or cozy dinner, be sure to make a stop at your local Meijer to stock up on all your essential ingredients. Not only will you find everything you need for this incredible recipe, but you can also take advantage of fantastic savings.
When you’re shopping for the key ingredients for this recipe, remember to clip this special Mperks offer: Save up to $2.00 with the purchase of one (1) Eckrich Smoked Sausage (10-14oz) and one (1) pack of Dr Pepper 8pk. 12oz. bottles or 7.5oz. cans (regular or diet). It’s the perfect opportunity to save on the star ingredients that make this soup and your game day complete!
We’d love to hear from you! How do you homegate? What are your must-have dishes or traditions for game day? Sound off in the comments below and share your favorite tips and tricks with our community!
Still hungry for more deliciousness?
Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for daily inspiration!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Subscribe here to get easy and delicious recipes delivered weekly, straight to your inbox!
