Canadian Cheese Soup (Disney’s Le Cellier Copycat Recipe)
There are few places in the world where food feels as magical as it does at Disney — and nowhere is that more true than at Epcot, where you can “travel the world” one bite at a time. One of the most beloved and talked-about dishes from Epcot’s World Showcase is the iconic Canadian Cheese Soup served at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion.
Rich, creamy, smoky, and deeply savory, this soup has achieved near-legendary status among Disney food fans. It’s the kind of dish people plan their park day around. The kind that inspires internet forums, copycat attempts, and return visits just for one more bowl.
The good news? You don’t need a park ticket, a plane ride, or a reservation months in advance to enjoy it. This is the official Disney recipe — and yes, you can make it at home.
This soup combines smoky bacon, sautéed aromatics, sharp cheddar cheese, and a splash of lager into a silky, luxurious bowl of comfort that feels indulgent but still balanced. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, special dinners, or when you just want something incredibly satisfying.
Why This Soup Is So Special
Canadian Cheese Soup is not just “cheese soup.” It’s carefully layered with flavor:
- Smoky bacon adds depth and umami
- Onion, celery, and garlic create a savory base
- A blonde roux gives body and richness
- Sharp cheddar provides bold cheesy flavor
- Beer adds subtle bitterness and complexity
- Tabasco and Worcestershire bring gentle heat and tang
The result is a soup that’s creamy but not cloying, rich but not heavy, and packed with flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- ½ lb bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 4 cups milk
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup pale or golden lager (preferably Canadian)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Canadian Cheese Soup
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until lightly browned and beginning to crisp, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the onion, celery, garlic, and butter to the bacon. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes until golden and nutty smelling. This step removes raw flour taste and builds flavor.
Step 4: Add Stock and Simmer
Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
Step 5: Add Milk and Simmer
Add the milk and simmer gently for another 15 minutes. Do not allow it to boil.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, Tabasco, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Blend
Use an immersion blender to blend until mostly smooth, leaving a little texture if desired.
Step 8: Finish with Beer
Stir in the beer, taste, and adjust seasoning.
Step 9: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
Flavor Variations
Extra Smoky
Use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Spicy
Add cayenne or extra Tabasco.
Vegetarian
Skip bacon, use vegetable stock, and add smoked salt for depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread or baguette
- Pretzel rolls
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
This soup does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Sharp cheddar is best. Milder cheeses lose the iconic flavor.
Is the beer necessary?
No — but it adds depth. You can omit it or replace with more stock.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — substitute flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry.
Final Thoughts
This Canadian Cheese Soup is comfort food at its finest. Rich, savory, indulgent, and nostalgic — it’s a dish that feels special every time you make it.
Whether you’re recreating a Disney memory, hosting a cozy dinner, or just craving a bowl of something warm and cheesy, this soup delivers every single time.
One spoonful and you’ll understand why it has such a devoted following.
Enjoy!