Beer Cheese Soup

Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 bottles (12 oz. each) beer
• 8 cups water
• 1/4 cup chicken soup base
• 3 tsp beef broth base
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 lbs. Velveeta, cubed
• 1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 bratwurst, fully cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• French fried onions
• Green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Saute the onion, celery, and garlic in butter until tender and fragrant.  Add the flour and whisk together for 30 seconds.
2. Add the beer and whisk until there are no clumps of flour remaining.  Add the water, chicken soup base, beef broth base, and whipping cream.  Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and simmer for 5-8 minutes.
3. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and Velveeta.  Using an inversion mixer, puree the vegetables.
4. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted.  Add the bratwurst and stir together.
5. Serve hot.  Sprinkle with French fried onions & green onions.

Adapted from Genius Kitchen.