Spelt Ale and Cheese Soup

A Classic Pub Soup, Reimagined

Spelt Ale and Cheese Soup combines deep savoury notes with a creamy, smooth finish. The spelt gives body and texture, while the ale adds richness that balances the tang of melted cheese.

Why It Works

It’s cosy, filling, and quick to make. The nutty grains of spelt thicken the soup naturally, making it creamy without heavy cream. Ideal for chilly evenings or an easy lunch with crusty bread and butter.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Cuisine: British

Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 6.50

Calories: 380

Best Season: Winter

Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains gluten, High Protein, Vegetarian

Description

A comforting, pub-style soup made with nutty spelt, creamy cheese, and a splash of ale for depth. Rich, hearty, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 carrot (diced)
1 celery stick (diced)
100 g pearled spelt
330 ml pale ale or brown ale
500 ml vegetable stock
150 ml milk or plant milk for lighter version
120 g mature cheddar cheese, grated (or vegan alternative)
1 tsp mustard ((Dijon or wholegrain))
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Chopped chives or parsley (to serve)

Instructions

Sauté base:

1
In a large saucepan, melt butter and cook onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for 5–7 minutes until soft.

Add spelt and ale:

2
Stir in spelt, then pour in the ale. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add stock:

3
Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 25 minutes until spelt is tender.

Add milk and cheese:

4
Lower the heat, stir in milk, mustard, and grated cheese until melted and smooth.

Season and serve:

5
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and paprika. Garnish with chives or parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 380kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 38mg13%
Sodium 620mg26%
Potassium 440mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 6g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

For a vegan version, use vegan cheese, olive oil, and plant milk.
Pale ale gives a light taste; use dark ale for deeper flavour.
Leftovers keep well for 3 days in the fridge — reheat gently.

Keywords: spelt soup, ale and cheese soup, hearty soup, British comfort food, spelt recipes

Tips & Variations

Make It Your Own

Extra creamy: Add a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
Spicy twist: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or chilli flakes.
Crunchy topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or fried onions on top.
Bacon option: Add crispy bacon bits for non-vegetarian diners.

Serve with warm crusty bread or a cheese toastie for the full comfort-food experience.

Conclusion

Spelt Ale and Cheese Soup is rich, hearty, and full of flavour — the kind of bowl that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. Simple to make and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect mix of British pub comfort and wholesome ingredients.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-ale-and-cheese-soup/

Valentina

A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!