Grilled Bratwurst, Beer, and Cheddar Soup Recipe

Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over entire surface of coal grate. Alternatively, set all the burners of a gas grill to high heat. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate.

Arrange bratwurst in a 10-inch square disposable aluminum pan and pour in beer. Place tray on hot side of grill and cook until simmering, about 4 minutes. Slide to cooler side of grill. Cover grill with vents over the bratwurst. Cook with all vents open until sausages register 140 to 145°F (60 to 62°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Remove grill lid. Using tongs, remove bratwurst and place directly on cooking grates over hot side of grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until well browned and crisp, about 3 minutes total. Remove brats and beer pan from grill. Chop brats into small pieces. Return meat to beer and reserve.

In a large stockpot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 4 minutes. Add bacon and continue to cook until browned. Stir in garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.

Stir in potatoes, roasted peppers, cayenne, dry mustard, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Raise heat to medium-high. Add reserved brat and beer mixture, along with chicken stock, heavy cream, and 1 cup of milk. In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1/2 cup of milk with flour, making sure there are no lumps. Add to soup and bring to a boil.

Add cheeses, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until soup is thickened and potatoes are pierced easily with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve.