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 ounces lager beer; 12 ounces cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, shredded); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

If you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and packed with smoky goodness, this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a smooth blend of beer and broth all in one cozy bowl—perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers.

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 can’t get enough of this soup whenever the weather cools down. It’s comforting like your favorite sweater and fast enough to whip up on a weeknight without stress.

Rich Flavor: The combo of crisp bacon and sharp cheddar gives you a perfect balance of smoky and cheesy goodness.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup comes together in under an hour.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a starter for weekend get-togethers.
Customizable: Use sharp or mild cheddar, swap the beer style, or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When sourcing your ingredients for this bacon and beer cheese soup, a few key things will make all the difference—like picking a good lager and a sharp cheddar to elevate the flavor. Here’s what I use and why:

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: Provides that wonderful crisp texture and smoky depth that defines the soup.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and builds the aromatic base.
Garlic: Lends a subtle punch that complements the cheese perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the soup to a creamy, satisfying consistency.
Chicken Broth: The savory backbone, low sodium helps you control salt.
Milk (2%): Adds creaminess without weighing things down.
Lager Beer: Light and crisp, bringing a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, shredded for easy melting—this is the heart of the cheese flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to balance all the flavors just right.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and 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

One of the best things about this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to dial up the heat, switch up the cheese, or even make it a bit lighter, there’s room to customize while keeping that comforting, cheesy goodness intact.

Spicy Kick: I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the smoky bacon. Just be sure to add it gradually—you can always add more!
Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free twist, swap the milk for coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The soup won’t be quite the same, but it still delivers comforting creaminess perfect for chilly days.
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to add texture and a fresh touch. These make the soup feel even more hearty and wholesome.
Beer Swap: While I used a lager, feel free to try a pale ale or pilsner. Each beer brings a unique flavor profile that can subtly transform the soup’s character.
Cheese Choices: Using sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor, but mild cheddar makes for a gentler, creamier experience. I suggest experimenting to find your favorite combo!

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 heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and let it cook until it's perfectly crisp—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once crisp, scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel–lined plate to drain the excess fat. That bacon fat left behind? It's liquid gold for building flavor in the next steps!

Step 2: Soften the Onions and Garlic

Using the bacon fat still in the pot, toss in the chopped onions. Cook them gently over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. That’s when you know they’re releasing their sweetness! Next, add the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more—long enough for that aromatic scent to fill your kitchen without burning the garlic.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Sprinkle the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the softened onion and garlic mixture and stir well. Cook this for about 3 minutes; this step is key because it removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup beautifully. Then, slowly whisk in the 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of milk, and the 8-ounce lager. Adding these gradually while whisking prevents lumps from forming and brings your soup base together smoothly.

Step 4: Let It Simmer and Thicken

Crank up the heat just enough to bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors marry and the liquid thicken to that perfect creamy consistency. Keep the pot partially covered and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Bacon

Stir in the 12 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure the cheese melts fully and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper—or adjust to your taste. Finally, fold most of the crisp bacon back into the soup, reserving some for garnish. This adds a smoky, savory punch in every bite.

Step 6: Serve with a Fresh Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with the reserved bacon and a tablespoon of chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, herbal pop of color and brightness that balances the richness. Grab a warm bread roll and enjoy the cozy comfort of your homemade Bacon Beer Cheese Soup!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect blend of flavors in this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe really comes down to a few key techniques. These tips will help your soup be creamy, rich, and balanced every time.

Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour with the onions and bacon fat for the full 3 minutes before adding liquids is crucial to avoid that raw flour taste. It really elevates the smoothness and flavor.
Low and Slow Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes before adding cheese. This step thickens the base perfectly without risking curdling or separation.
Add Cheese Last: Stir the shredded cheddar in slowly on low heat to ensure it melts seamlessly, giving your soup that irresistible creamy texture.
Save Some Bacon for Garnish: Adding crispy bacon right before serving brings back that delightful crunch and smoky hit, making every spoonful extra special.

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

To top off this hearty soup, consider sprinkling extra crispy bacon and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a drizzle of sour cream or a few slices of green onion to complement the rich cheese flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crunchy artisan bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last bit. A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness, making it a perfect meal for chilly days or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bacon Beer Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or warming dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To keep the texture just right, don’t add the cheddar cheese before freezing. Instead, freeze the soup base, then add the cheese fresh when you reheat.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Once heated through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add additional salt and pepper if needed, and top with reserved crispy bacon before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of beer in the Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses a lager, you can substitute with a pale ale or pilsner to impart different flavor nuances, just be mindful of bitterness and adjust seasoning if necessary.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from clumping in the soup?

Add shredded cheese gradually over low heat while stirring consistently. This helps the cheese melt smoothly and prevents clumping or separation in your soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky depth.

How thick should the soup be when it’s done?

The soup should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon, thickened enough to feel hearty but still pourable. A 20-minute simmer before adding cheese usually gets you there perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is one of those cozy classics that’s perfect any time you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and a little indulgent. With simple ingredients and approachable steps, it’s a dish that invites you in and makes everyone feel at home. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, I hope this soup becomes your go-to comfort food on chilly days—you deserve it!