Description
This rich and comforting Bacon and Beer Cheese Soup combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a smooth blend of beer and chicken broth to create a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Soup 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 (sharp or mild, shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same Dutch oven with bacon fat, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for about 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and lager beer, stirring constantly to combine and prevent lumps.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent separation, do not add cheese before freezing; add it fresh when reheating.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor, or mild cheddar if you prefer a subtler taste.
- Low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Substitute lager with a pale ale or pilsner if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
