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); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added); 1 cup milk (2%); 8 ounce lager beer; 12 ounce cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, shredded); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm bowl of cheese soup, especially when it’s loaded with crispy bacon and a splash of cold beer. This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is the perfect cozy meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—ideal for chilly days when you need something hearty and satisfying fast.

A large white pot filled with thick orange soup, showing a smooth texture with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The soup has some light cream swirls and tiny chunks within it, and a silver ladle rests inside the pot on the right side. Behind the pot, there is a glass jar filled with golden beer and a container holding toasted bread slices. The setting is 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

I first made this soup during a chilly weekend, and it quickly became my go-to comfort food. The way crispy bacon mingles with sharp cheddar and the subtle beer undertone? Absolute magic in a bowl. I promise, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.

Richly Flavorful: Combines smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and lager for a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy and hearty, this soup fills your kitchen with cozy vibes and satisfies hungry appetites.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as a warm appetizer or a filling main course—the choice is yours!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s chat about the ingredients that make this bacon and beer cheese soup so special. They’re easy to find yet carefully chosen to give you that rich and creamy soup we all crave, with a few handy tips to make your shopping trip a breeze.

Flat lay of six crispy bacon slices, one large golden onion, three whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white bowl of creamy 2% milk, a small white bowl filled with amber lager beer, a neat pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Adds a smoky, crispy punch that balances perfectly with the creamy cheese base.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation when sautéed, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Just a touch, for an aromatic lift that wakes up the soup’s flavor.
All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening this soup into a luscious, velvety consistency.
Chicken broth: Creates a savory base; opting for low or no sodium gives you control over saltiness.
Milk (2%): Adds creaminess without too much heaviness; whole milk would make it even richer if you prefer.
Lager beer: Imparts subtle depth and a mild bitterness that complements the cheddar really well.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild shredded cheddar melts smoothly to create that classic cheese soup flavor.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance all the rich flavors.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish.

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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

This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want a thicker, richer bowl or a lighter beer flavor, making it your own is part of the fun!

Gluten-Free Option: I swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend once for a friend with celiac disease. The soup thickened beautifully without losing any creaminess.
Mild Beer Swap: If you’re not a big fan of a strong beer taste, try substituting lager with a mild ale or even a non-alcoholic beer. It softens the flavor but keeps that comforting depth.
Extra Creamy Version: Using whole milk instead of 2% milk and adding a pinch more flour during the roux stage made my soup ultra-thick and velvety—perfect for dipping crusty bread!
Vegetarian Twist: Skip the bacon and use smoky paprika in the sautéed onions for that smoky flavor. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the flavors balanced.
Seasonal Spin: Toss in diced roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes along with the broth for a fall-inspired version full of color and sweetness.

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

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy yellow soup, garnished with small green herb pieces and a few small red bits. A golden toasted slice of bread is partly dipped on one side into the soup, standing upright in the bowl. There is a dark spoon placed inside the soup next to the bread slice. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl and a jar of honey or syrup with a warm amber color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp Up That Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, letting it sizzle and crisp up for about 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the bacon turns golden-brown and releases a mouthwatering aroma. Carefully remove it with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate—this way, you keep all those savory bacon fats right in the pot for the next steps.

Step 2: Make the Aromatics Sing

Next, add the chopped onion straight into the bacon fat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. This step is crucial—the onions create a flavorful base that steeps the soup with sweetness and depth. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic; you want that fresh, bright aroma to shine.

Step 3: Create the Roux and Add Liquids

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened onions and garlic, stirring to coat everything. Cook this mixture for about 3 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. This step thickens the soup and gives it that luscious texture. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and lager beer, ensuring there are no lumps. The cold liquids and whisking help the roux blend smoothly into a silky soup base.

Step 4: Let It Simmer and Thicken

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 20 minutes. This patience pays off—the soup thickens and the flavors meld beautifully during this time. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon, Then Season

Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often until the cheese has melted fully and the soup reaches a silky, smooth consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like, then fold in most of the cooked bacon to infuse the soup with smoky little bites.

Step 6: Serve with a Fresh Finish

Ladle your warm soup into bowls and sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon on top. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of bright color and freshness, and voilà—your cozy bowl of Bacon Beer Cheese Soup is ready to enjoy. Perfect for chilly days when you need that ultimate comfort food fix!

Top Tip

Mastering the Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures to create that perfect bowl of comfort. These tips come from my kitchen mishaps and little discoveries along the way.

Render the Bacon Fat Properly: Be sure to cook your bacon until it's crisp and let the fat render out fully. Using the reserved bacon fat to sauté onions and garlic adds an unbeatable smoky depth to the soup.
Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour with the aromatics for a full 3 minutes eliminates any raw flour taste. I once hurried this step and ended up with a slightly grainy texture—definitely worth the patience!
Add Cheese Slowly: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually over low heat to avoid clumping and ensure a silky-smooth soup.
Skip Cheese Before Freezing: If you plan to freeze your soup, hold off on adding cheese until reheating. This avoids separation and helps keep your soup creamy.

How to Serve Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

The image shows a white pan on a white marbled surface with many small cubes of light and dark pink bacon evenly spread inside. The bacon cubes have a slightly shiny texture and look like they are just starting to cook. The pan has a simple black edge and the light reflects softly on the bacon pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance each serving with the reserved crispy bacon bits for extra crunch. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast in color and flavor. For a little zing, you might also top with a dash of smoked paprika or a few finely sliced green onions.

Side Dishes

This rich and creamy soup pairs beautifully with hearty sides like warm crusty bread, soft pretzel rolls, or a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a cozy meal, serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Bacon Beer Cheese Soup in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months if you skip adding the cheese before freezing. Store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, to enjoy your comfort food later without losing the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If frozen, let the soup thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add the shredded cheddar cheese fresh during reheating to keep the texture smooth and luscious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a lager for its light, clean flavor, you can substitute with a mild ale or even a non-alcoholic beer if you prefer a less pronounced beer taste.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend during the roux step. Just be sure to cook the flour long enough to avoid any raw taste.

Why should I add cheese after reheating when freezing?

Cheese tends to separate and become grainy when frozen. Adding it freshly after reheating keeps your soup creamy and smooth.

Can I use whole milk instead of 2% milk?

Yes! Using whole milk will give your soup a richer, creamier texture. You can also add a bit more flour in the roux to thicken it further if you like.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Bacon Beer Cheese Soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. This recipe brings together beloved flavors with cozy ease—crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a touch of lager that elevates every spoonful. I hope it becomes one of your go-to dishes for a satisfying meal that feels like a big warm hug. Happy cooking and even happier slurping!