1. Introduction
Canadian Cheese Soup is a iconic, silky-smooth comfort dish celebrated for its rich texture and complex, savory flavors. Made with sharp aged white cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, tender aromatics, and a splash of Canadian ale or beer, this soup offers a perfect balance of smoky, sharp, and creamy notes. It is widely renowned as a fan-favorite centerpiece at international culinary festivals and serves as the ultimate cozy bowl for cold weather days.
2. Ingredients
To make a batch of authentic Canadian Cheese Soup, you will need:
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Bacon: 1/2 lb smoky bacon (chopped into small pieces)
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Aromatics: 1 medium red or yellow onion (finely diced), 2 ribs celery (finely diced), and 1 medium carrot (finely diced)
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Thickener Base: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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Liquids: 1.5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth, 1 cup whole milk, and 1/2 cup Canadian ale or beer (or extra broth if alcohol-free)
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The Cheese: 2.5 cups sharp white Canadian Cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for smooth melting)
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Flavor Boosters: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco or hot sauce, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste