At this point, we’re fairly convinced that Disney is going to reveal its entire repertoire of theme park recipes by the time quarantine is over. We’re not complaining, because how else would we be able to whip up something called cheddar cheese soup at home?
The recipe comes courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog, which says it’s a popular Canadian-inspired dish served at Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse. Time to break out that immersion blender you’ve used once in your lifetime.
If you’re still confused about what a cheese soup actually is—no worries, we are too—it’s basically what it sounds like: soup flavored with an entire pound of cheese. Other than that, the recipe is standard, starting with bacon, aromatics and chicken stock; a roux of flour and milk; a very large amount of cheese and finished with hot sauce, Worcestershire and a casual splash of beer. Everything gets blended until smooth and creamy before serving with a generous amount of crusty bread for dipping (our suggestion, not Disney’s). Here’s how to make it.
Disney’s Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Makes 10 servings
Ingredients
½ pound of bacon, diced
1 medium red onion, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
4 cups milk
1 pound white cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup warm Canadian golden lager or any pale lager-style beer
Chopped fresh scallions or chives, for garnish
Directions
1. In a 4- or 5-quart Dutch oven, cook the bacon, stirring, over medium heat until rendered and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, celery and butter, and sauté until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in the stock and bring to a boil for about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. (Do not boil after the milk is added.)
4. Remove from the heat and add the cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper, to taste. Blend with an immersion blender until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Stir in the warm beer. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with some warm milk.
5. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.
If a bowl of piping hot cheese soup isn’t your thing, perhaps you should try Disney’s grilled cheese or Monte Cristo instead? What about Dole Whip or churros (or both)? We’re certain there’s a Disney dish for you…and if not, just wait to see what they release tomorrow.
