3. Instructions
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Crisp the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium heat, render and cook the chopped bacon until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter directly into the warm bacon fat. Add the finely diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
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Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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Whisk in Liquids: Slowly pour in the beer, whisking vigorously to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Next, gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes until the soup base thickens.
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Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat to extra-low (or remove the pot from heat completely). Gradually add the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and silky smooth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
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Garnish & Serve: Stir half of the crispy bacon into the soup. Ladle into warm serving bowls and top with the remaining bacon and fresh chives or scallions.
4. How to Serve
This decadent, velvety cheese soup pairs exceptionally well with rustic baked goods and light accompaniments:
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Pretzel Bread & Rolls: Serve hot alongside warm pretzel rolls, sourdough boules, or soft garlic bread to dip into the creamy broth.
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Crispy Toppings: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh chives, or homemade seasoned croutons for added crunch.
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Light Salad Pairing: Pair a small cup of soup with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
5. Healthy Living Insights
While Canadian Cheese Soup is a rich, indulgent treat, thoughtful adjustments can fit it into various dietary routines:
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High Calcium & Protein: Sharp cheddar and milk supply high levels of calcium, essential for bone health, alongside dietary protein.
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Sodium & Fat Moderation: To lower the overall saturated fat and sodium content, opt for reduced-sodium chicken broth, turkey bacon, and a combination of low-fat milk with extra-sharp aged cheddar (as aged cheddar provides intense flavor with less total cheese volume).
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Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend or cornstarch slurry to keep the soup creamy without wheat.
6. History and Origin
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup has deep roots in Canada’s dairy-rich traditions, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, which have produced world-class, award-winning aged cheddars since the 19th century.
The dish achieved global fame through the Le Cellier Steakhouse located inside the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT in Walt Disney World. Introduced as a signature menu item using Canadian sharp white cheddar, bacon, and Canadian beer, the recipe became a viral culinary phenomenon, celebrated worldwide as a quintessential taste of Canadian comfort food
