Name: Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon chopped; 1 large onion chopped; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth low sodium or no sodium added; 1 cup milk 2%; 8 ounces lager beer; 12 ounces cheddar cheese shredded sharp or mild; 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste; 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

If you're craving something totally comforting and packed with flavor, this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar melting into a creamy base, and just the right touch of lager beer simmered to perfection. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

A large white pot filled with a creamy orange soup that has small bits of herbs sprinkled on top, with some small orange and light chunks visible within the soup. The soup has a smooth texture with a few finely chopped green herbs floating on the surface. A long silver ladle rests inside the pot, its handle leaning on the rim. In the background, there is a clear mason jar filled with a golden liquid, and a white bowl filled with slices of toasted bread is partly visible. All items rest on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I whip up this bacon and beer cheese soup, it feels like the ultimate cozy meal—perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little extra comfort on your plate. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to bring together!

Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and lager beer creates a rich, irresistible taste.
Easy Prep: Simple ingredients come together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight treat.
Crowd Pleaser: This soup is hearty enough to serve as a main dish and loved by both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores and freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it any time you crave a creamy, cheesy delight.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you head to the store, here’s a quick guide on what you’ll need and why these ingredients make this soup so special—plus tips on choosing the best options for that perfect bowl.

Flat lay of six slices of crispy chopped bacon, one large peeled yellow onion chopped into chunks, three cloves of fresh unpeeled garlic, a small white ceramic bowl filled with a fine pile of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a cold glass of amber lager beer with a foamy head, a small pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese with rich orange color, a small pinch of coarse salt crystals, a small pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and a few bright green sprigs of fresh parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon: Provides that crispy, smoky crunch and a robust depth of flavor that’s essential for this soup.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a mild bite that balances all the richness.
Garlic: Infuses a warm aroma and subtle sharpness that wakes up the palate.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup a luscious, creamy texture.
Chicken broth: Serves as the savory base and ties all the flavors together; low sodium is best to control saltiness.
Milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy; I use 2% for a nice balance.
Lager beer: Brings a subtle bitterness and maltiness that brightens the soup and complements the cheese.
Cheddar cheese: The star of the show—sharp cheddar gives a bold, tangy punch, while mild offers a softer creaminess.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always adjust to your taste.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color for garnish.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you like it extra cheesy, a bit spicier, or want to keep it lighter, there’s plenty of room to customize to your taste buds.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when I want to turn up the heat. It complements the smokiness of the bacon beautifully.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. I also toss in some sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses — a blend of sharp cheddar and gouda creates a deeper, creamier taste that I’ve found irresistible.
Seasonal Swaps: In the colder months, I throw in some diced potatoes or carrots to make it heartier; in warmer seasons, a handful of fresh chives on top adds a refreshing pop.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy orange soup that has small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and some melted cheese in the middle, with a toasted golden-brown bread slice standing upright in the soup. A black spoon is partially submerged in the bowl on the right side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with scattered toasted bread slices nearby. In the background, there is another white bowl with more soup and a blurred glass jar showing light amber liquid photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp Up That Bacon

Start by cooking 6 slices of chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat for about 5 minutes. You'll want the bacon to be crisp but not burnt — listen for that satisfying sizzle and watch as the fat renders out. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and lay it on paper towels to drain, keeping that amazing bacon fat in the pot for the next step.

Step 2: Soften the Onions and Garlic

Using the bacon fat left in the pot, add 1 large chopped onion. Cook it for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and soft. Then stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma should be inviting — this is where the flavor really starts to build.

Step 3: Build the Base with Flour and Liquids

Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir well. Cook for roughly 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste — you’ll notice the mixture start to bubble and thicken slightly. Next, gradually whisk in 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth, 1 cup of 2% milk, and 8 ounces of lager beer. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens nicely — about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Melting in the Cheese and Bacon

Once the soup has thickened, stir in 12 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference). Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup is creamy. Let it simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, adjusting to taste. Finally, fold in most of the crisp bacon pieces, saving a little for that perfect garnish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley on top for that extra pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot for a cozy, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Top Tip

Getting the most flavor and creaminess from your Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe takes a little finesse. Here are some handy tips from my experience that really elevate this comforting soup.

Cook Bacon to Crispy Perfection: Make sure to cook your bacon until it's nice and crisp—this adds texture and that irresistible smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Gradual Liquid Addition: >When whisking in the chicken broth, milk, and beer, add them gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety base.
Sharp Cheddar for Flavor Punch: Using sharp cheddar cheese really amplifies the cheesy depth. If you prefer something milder, feel free to swap, but sharp cheddar is my go-to for that perfect bite.
Reserve Bacon for Garnish: Set aside some bacon bits before stirring them into the soup. The crispy bacon on top makes all the difference as a final touch and presentation bonus.

How to Serve Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

A close-up of a white pan with small pink and light brown cube pieces scattered evenly across the surface. The cubes have a slightly glossy texture, showing they are partly cooked or fried. The pan is on a surface with a white marbled texture in the background. A small dark blue circle with a white number

Garnishes

This soup is delicious as-is, but elevating it with the right garnishes takes it over the top. I love adding extra crispy bacon pieces for crunch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, and an extra handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese if you're feeling indulgent. A swirl of sour cream or a dash of smoked paprika also adds a nice touch if you want to get creative.

Side Dishes

Because this soup is rich and creamy, it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or some crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop. Garlic bread, soft pretzels, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich make fantastic companions that turn this into a truly satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. This way, you can savor it again without sacrificing taste or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save the soup for longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. To avoid splitting or separation, I recommend skipping the cheese before freezing. Add fresh shredded cheddar when you reheat to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Bacon Beer Cheese Soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps keep the soup smooth and prevents scorching. If frozen without cheese, stir in freshly shredded cheddar toward the end of reheating for that signature cheesy goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of beer in this soup?

Absolutely! While a lager is recommended for its balanced flavor, you can experiment with ales, pilsners, or even non-alcoholic beer to adjust the taste to your liking. Just keep in mind that darker beers may add more bitterness.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the bacon garnish and add sautéed mushrooms or crispy chickpeas for texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Sharp or mild cheddar works best, but you can blend other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Adjust the quantity to your taste.

Why did my soup separate after freezing?

Cheese-based soups often separate when frozen due to the fat content. To avoid this, freeze the soup before adding cheese and then stir in freshly shredded cheese when reheating to maintain a smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is one of those comforting classics that never fails to bring warmth and happiness to the table. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with layers of smoky, cheesy goodness that make every spoonful feel like a hug. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking to impress friends at your next gathering, this soup delivers every time. I hope these tips and tricks help you make it your own and enjoy every delicious bowl!