Cheese and Beer Soup with Spicy Popcorn Garnish

Name: Cheese and Beer Soup with Spicy Popcorn Garnish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons butter; 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 1 cup finely chopped parsnip; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups rich chicken stock; 2 cups amber or pale ale beer; 2 bay leaves; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups grated Cheddar, best quality possible; 1 1/2 cups crumbled Stilton cheese; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley leaves, to garnish; Spicy Popcorn, for garnish, recipe follows; 3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil; Pinch cayenne pepper; 1/3 cup white popping corn; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, recipe follows; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Servings: persons

5 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped parsnip
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups rich chicken stock
2 cups amber or pale ale beer
2 bay leaves
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups grated Cheddar, best quality possible
1 1/2 cups crumbled Stilton cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley leaves, to garnish
Spicy Popcorn, for garnish, recipe follows
3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Pinch cayenne pepper
1/3 cup white popping corn
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, recipe follows
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

1
Melt butter over low heat in a large pot, and then add the onions, celery, and parsnips.
2
Cover and cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.
3
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
5
Gradually whisk in the stock and the beer.
6
Add the bay leaves and cayenne pepper.
7
Bring to a boil slowly - take caution as the liquid tends to bubble up as it comes to a boil; reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until flavors come together and the soup has reached a nice consistency, about 1 hour.
8
Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
9
Add the cheeses, a little at a time, stirring until nearly melted after each addition.
10
Season with salt and pepper.
11
Remove from the heat, taste, adjust seasoning, if necessary.
12
Garnish with the parsley and Spicy Popcorn.
13
In a large, partially covered saucepan heat olive oil with a pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 piece of popping corn until hot enough to make the corn pop.
14
Add the remaining popping corn and cook partially covered, shaking, until all corn is popped.
15
Transfer to a large mixing bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients until evenly coated.
16
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
17
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

1394

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

106

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 31 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 tablespoons butter, 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 1 cup finely chopped celery, 1 cup finely chopped parsnip, and more.

Yes, Cheese and Beer Soup with Spicy Popcorn Garnish falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!