The Official Disney Canadian Cheese Soup

Introduction

Among the many unforgettable dishes served at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, few have reached the iconic status of the
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse. This beloved soup is rich, velvety, and deeply flavorful,
combining smoky bacon, sharp aged cheddar, and the subtle brightness of Canadian lager. It’s comfort food elevated to
legendary status—bringing the magic of the World Showcase straight into your home kitchen.

History & Heritage

Cheddar cheese soup has long been a staple in Canadian cuisine, especially in regions like Ontario and Quebec where
cheddar production and dairy farming are central to culinary traditions. Disney’s version debuted in the late 1990s
as part of EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion, designed to highlight Canada’s agricultural roots and brewing heritage.
Over time, this soup became one of the most requested recipes in Disney culinary history, earning a devoted fan base
among park visitors worldwide.

Ingredients

Aromatics & Fat

½ lb bacon, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 celery ribs, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

The Roux

1 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid Base

3 cups chicken stock
4 cups whole milk

The Cheese

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Seasonings

1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Signature Finish

½ cup pale or golden lager (preferably Canadian)
Chopped chives, for garnish

Cooking Method

This soup uses the classic roux-thickening method, a French culinary technique that creates a smooth,
stable, and creamy texture while preventing separation.

Instructions

Step 1: Render the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until browned and crisp (about 5 minutes).
Leave the bacon and rendered fat in the pot—this forms the flavor foundation of the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add butter, onion, celery, and garlic to the pot.
Sauté until vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture.
Stir continuously and cook for 4 minutes, until the flour smells lightly nutty.

Step 4: Simmer the Base

Slowly whisk in the chicken stock.
Bring to a gentle boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add milk and continue simmering for another 15 minutes. Do not allow the milk to boil.

Step 5: Emulsify the Soup

Remove the pot from heat.
Gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted.
Add Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
Use an immersion blender to blend until silky smooth.

Step 6: Finish with Beer

Stir in the lager as the final step.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Formation & Culinary Science

The soup’s luxurious texture relies on a stable emulsion. The roux binds fats from bacon and cheese with the milk
and stock, preventing separation. Adding beer at the end introduces mild acidity and carbonation, which lightens
the mouthfeel and balances the richness.

Benefits

Highly comforting and warming—perfect for cold weather
Rich in calcium and protein from cheese and milk
Excellent practice for mastering roux-based sauces
Restaurant-quality flavor made at home

For the Disney Lovers

This recipe is made for Disney fans, nostalgia seekers, and EPCOT Food & Wine Festival devotees.
If you’ve ever waited in line just to enjoy a cup of this soup, recreating it at home is like bringing
a delicious souvenir back from the parks—no ticket required.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in bread bowls for a classic presentation
Pair with crusty bread or pretzel rolls
Garnish with chives or extra bacon crumbles

Conclusion

The Canadian Cheese Soup from Le Cellier is proof that theme park food can be truly world-class.
Rich, complex, and deeply satisfying, this iconic dish delivers warmth, nostalgia, and gourmet flavor in every spoonful.
Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served to impress guests, it’s a timeless recipe worth revisiting again and again.