Tillamook Beer Cheese Soup

Kirstin in the Couv's Note:

This is from the Tillamook Cheese Factory - some of the best cheese in the world!!!!! Of course I'm biased cause they're in my home state :-) This is my fave beer cheese soup -- you can use other cheese, just make sure it's extra sharp!

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk
• ¾ cup dark beer
• 1 tablespoon garlic , minced
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes , chopped
• 2 cups tillamook extra-sharp cheddar cheese , shredded

Directions:

1. Heat butter in sauté pan.
2. Add flour and cook on low heat.
3. Stir mixture until it starts to bubble.
4. Do not allow to brown.
5. Pull off fire and set aside.
6. Heat milk in sauce pan until it is just ready to boil.
7. Add garlic, salt and pepper and crushed chilies.
8. Stir mixture until just before boiling.
9. Add half of flour/butter mixture (Roux) and stir with wire whisk until at a low simmer.
10. Additional Roux may be added to thicken.
11. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
12. Turn down heat and add cheese and beer.
13. Stir to allow cheese to melt.
14. Texture should be smooth to the touch.
15. May be reheated on low temperature.
16. (Do not boil.).

Reviews

[LoversDream]

I am a bit confused by the previous two reviews that were on the negative side. I have made this soup 5+ times now and make it following the recipe exactly with one exception... I am in the UK and cannot get Tillamook so I just use the extra mature yellow cheddar. I have served this and given it to many people and everyone is absolutely blown away by it. I have had beer cheese soups numerous times over the past 30+ years and I would have to rate this one the hands down winner. The texture that one reviewer commented about sounds like they actually boiled it which I did once and had to throw the whole mess out. *NOT ALLOWING THIS TO BOIL* is critical. Other than that and the choice of good malty dark beer I cannot imagine how anyone could 1) mess this up 2) not find this incredible!! Even my wife, who cannot stand the smell of beer much less the taste, absolutely loves this soup and requests that I make it often in the winter months. I actually came back to review it because I have 4 requests from co-workers to make this again and bring it in to work on Monday!!! Please don't be put off by the negative reviews -- this soup is incredible. I still cannot get over how these ingredients produce that flavor...it's simply magical!! Just a note: In the UK the best cheese I've found is McClellands seriously strong red chedder and the best beer to use, for me, is Leffe Brune. I tried Guiness Draught one time and although I'd still give it 5 stars..it was not the same flavor and I prefer the Leffe.

[AzureLynn]

okay... scaled down to 1 serving... used my favorite beer and my favorite colby jack blend. Don't have red pepper flakes so used creole seasoning and used powdered garlic. YUMMY! Will make this again for a quick fix!

[Matticus Sparaticus]

Very very wonderful, FOLLOW THE RECIPE. Cook it slow and warm, DO NOT BOIL and everything will be perfect!