Butternut Squash, Apple Cider and Cheddar Soup with Roasted Garlic Cheddar Grilled Cheese Croutons

• Produce

  • 5 cups Butternut squash
  • 2 heads Garlic
  • 2 Garlic cloves
  • 1 cup Onion

• Canned Goods

  • 2 cups Chicken stock

• Baking & Spices

  • 2 tsp Salt

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1 tsp Olive oil

• Bread & Baked Goods

  • 4 slices Ciabatta bread

• Drinks

  • 1 cup Apple cider

• Dairy

  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 2 cups White cheddar cheese, sharp

• Beer, Wine & Liquor

  • 1 12-ounce bottle Pumpkin or apple ale

Found on cookingforkeeps.com

Ingredients

• 2 heads garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons softened butter, divided
• 5 cups diced butternut squash
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 12-ounce bottle of pumpkin or apple ale
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
• 4 slices ciabatta bread

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the very top off both garlic heads. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap in a piece of foil and roast for 40 minutes or until soft. Once cool, squeeze all of the roasted garlic out of the heads. Set aside.
• Heat a large pot to a medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter, squash, onion, garlic and salt. Saute until slightly softened, about 7-8 minutes. Add beer, cider and chicken stock. Simmer until squash is softened, about 10-12 more minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth (you can also use an immersion blender). Return the soup to the pot and add 1 cup shredded cheese. Stir until melted, keep warm while you make croutons.
• Spread some of the roasted garlic on each piece of bread. Evenly divide the cheese between two slices of bread. Cover with top piece of bread, roasted garlic-side down. Spread with butter.
• Heat a medium non-stick pan to a medium heat. Add grilled cheese, buttered-side down. Spread more butter on other side. Cook until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes per side. Cut into squares and serve with soup.