Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus 4 more sprigs for garnish
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle pilsner beer
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 3 slices rye bread, torn
• Salt and white pepper
• 1 cup grated white Cheddar (about 4 ounces)

Instructions

1. Fry bacon until crisp, remove and reserve. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, sweat the onion, butter, and thyme leaves until tender, about 8 minutes. Add beer, stock, and bread. Simmer 10 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cheese, bacon and fresh thyme sprigs.