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)

There’s just something unbeatable about that creamy, cheesy goodness mixed with crispy bacon and a splash of beer. This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is my go-to comfort food when I want something rich, savory, and totally satisfying after a chilly day.

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

Honestly, this soup has become a staple in my kitchen. Every spoonful brings together smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a touch of lager beer for a totally irresistible blend of flavors. If you love a creamy, hearty soup, this one’s for you!

Hearty and Comforting: Perfect for warming you up on cold days or sharing with friends at casual gatherings.
Easy to Make: Simple stovetop cooking with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Flavorful Combination: Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and lager beer create a rich, satisfying taste.
Customizable: Adjust the cheese sharpness or salt levels to suit your preference.

Ingredients & Why They Work

I always say, the best soups start with good-quality basics. When you shop for this recipe, pick out a sharp cheddar for a bold kick or go mild if you want it creamier. And don’t skimp on the bacon—it’s the flavor backbone of this soup!

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: Gives the soup its smoky, savory depth and a delightful crispy texture.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings a subtle aromatic punch that rounds out the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that balances the richness.
Milk (2%): Keeps the soup creamy without being overly heavy.
Lager beer: Adds a unique maltiness and depth you won’t get with anything else.
Cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts smoothly and provides sharp cheesy goodness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—season carefully to your taste.
Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the richness.
Parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the creaminess.

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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

One of the best parts about the Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you prefer it creamier, spicier, or packed with extra veggies, this soup invites personalization to suit your taste buds perfectly.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the bacon for smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms to give the soup a smoky depth without the meat. I tried this for a family friend who prefers vegetarian meals, and it was just as comforting and flavorful!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when seasoning to bring a fiery warmth to the creamy richness. It’s my go-to when I want a soup that awakens the senses on a chilly evening.
Seasonal Veggie Boost: Toss in diced potatoes or some roasted red peppers during the simmering stage for extra heartiness and color. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies while keeping the beer cheese goodness front and center.
Beer Swap: Experiment with different types of lager or even try a pale ale for subtle flavor shifts. I once used a hoppy IPA, and it brought an exciting twist to the classic recipe.

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 the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it’s crisp and golden. This not only gives you that tasty crunch but also renders flavorful fat that becomes the soup’s base. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate—this helps drain excess grease so your soup isn’t too oily.

Step 2: Build Aromatics with Onions and Garlic

In the same Dutch oven, leave the bacon fat and add your chopped onion. Cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s softened and translucent—this step is key to building depth of flavor. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just 30 seconds more until fragrant. Keep your kitchen smelling amazing at this point!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. This cooks out the raw raw flour taste and helps thicken your soup later. Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth, milk, and lager beer while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening nicely with a smooth texture developing.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Bacon

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so the cheese melts evenly, creating a luscious, velvety soup. Once melted, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to add most of that crispy bacon back in here—this boosts flavor and provides delightful texture throughout the bowl.

Step 5: Serve with Style

Ladle the finished soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of your homemade Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures just right. These tips can make your soup stand out with rich, creamy goodness balanced by crispy bacon bites.

Cook Bacon Just Right: I always watch the bacon closely to get it perfectly crisp but not burnt—about 5 minutes on medium heat works great. The rendered fat is pure gold for sautéing onions and garlic with extra flavor.
Whisk Gradually: Adding the liquids slowly while whisking prevents lumps from forming once you add the flour. I learned this the hard way after stubborn clumps ruined a batch!
Simmer for Thickness: Letting the soup simmer for a full 20 minutes really brings out the body and richness, making sure it’s not too runny or thin.
Add Cheese Last: Stir the shredded cheddar in slowly at the end and keep the soup on low heat to avoid curdling or grease separation. This keeps your soup silky smooth.

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

For an inviting presentation and extra flavor, top your soup bowls with the remaining crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a dusting of smoked paprika for a slight smoky kick.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough, perfect for dipping. Soft pretzels or garlic crackers also add a satisfying crunch. For a green contrast, a simple mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette balances out the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to reheat for quick meals during the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months, but a key tip is to hold off on adding cheese until you thaw and reheat. Cheese can sometimes separate during freezing, so by adding it fresh, you’ll keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add shredded cheddar cheese near the end to melt into the warm soup for that signature cheesy creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a lager for its mild flavor, you can experiment with ales or stouts. Keep in mind that darker or stronger beers will impart a richer, more robust taste to the soup.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor bacon provides.

Why does the soup sometimes separate or get greasy?

Separating can happen if the cheese is overheated or added too quickly. To avoid this, add shredded cheese gradually on low heat and stir consistently until melted and smooth.

Can I substitute the flour with another thickener?

Yes, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with a bit of cold water as a slurry to thicken the soup. Add it toward the simmering step, whisk thoroughly, and cook until the soup thickens.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe—its velvety texture combined with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hunkering down on a chilly day or feeding a hungry gathering, this recipe never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe even tweak it to your liking. Cheers to cozy bowls and happy tummies!