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% fat); 8 ounce lager; 12 ounce 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 indulgent, cozy, and downright irresistible, this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe might just become your new go-to. Imagine crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a splash of lager swirling into a creamy, comforting soup—pure kitchen magic that warms both heart and belly!

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

I’m seriously obsessed with how this soup comes together — it’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavors that hit every note from salty bacon to cheesy goodness with a subtle beer kick. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make!

Bold Flavor Combination: The crispy bacon and sharp cheddar meld perfectly with the lager for a unique twist.
Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the ultimate cozy meal, especially when the weather turns chilly.
Easy to Prepare: Simple stovetop steps that anyone can master, even on busy weeknights.
Feeds a Crowd: Makes about 6 hearty servings to share (or savor all week).

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this soup is what makes it so special, so choosing the right ones is key. Grab a good sharp cheddar for that bold cheesy flavor, and don’t skimp on the bacon—crispy bits scattered throughout bring the ultimate savory crunch.

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: Adds smoky, crispy texture and deep savory flavor that’s essential here.
Onion: Offers a mild sweetness and aromatic base to build layers of flavor.
Garlic: Just a touch of aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup so it’s perfectly creamy without being runny.
Chicken broth (low/no sodium): Keeps the flavor balanced and lets you control the saltiness.
Milk (2% fat): Adds creaminess without weighing the soup down.
Lager beer: Provides a subtle maltiness and depth that make this soup unique.
Cheddar cheese (sharp or mild): Melted cheese creates that irresistible rich, creamy texture.
Salt: To bring out all those wonderful flavors.
Pepper: A gentle bite to balance the richness.
Parsley: Freshens up the final presentation with a touch of color and flavor.

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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

The beauty of this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. Whether you want to amp up the spices or swap out ingredients for dietary needs, there are lots of delicious twists to try!

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add that smoky flavor. Adding sautéed mushrooms also gives a savory depth without meat.
Try Different Cheeses: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but mixing in gouda or Monterey Jack can create a creamier, mellow soup.
Beer Swap: If you prefer less alcohol or different flavors, a non-alcoholic beer or even extra chicken broth work just as well without compromising taste.
Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce right before serving.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to keep things safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

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 the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it’s perfectly crisp. You’ll want to hear that satisfying sizzle and see golden, crunchy bits. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess fat—this keeps your soup from getting greasy while locking in that rich smoky flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic for Flavor

With the bacon fat still in the pot, toss in the chopped onion and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This slow cooking releases sweetness that forms the soup’s base. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, letting its aroma fill your kitchen without burning it.

Step 3: Add Flour for a Creamy Texture

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your onion and garlic mixture, then stir it well to coat everything. Cook it for about 3 minutes to gently toast the flour—this creates the thickening agent while eliminating that raw flour taste that can throw off your soup.

Step 4: Combine the Liquids and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and lager beer. This is where your soup really starts coming together. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until it thickens. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 5: Melt in Cheese and Add Bacon

Now stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes. This slow melt ensures the cheese blends smoothly, giving your soup that creamy richness we all crave. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to fold most of the crispy bacon back into the soup—every bite deserves that smoky crunch!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining bacon and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it while it’s warm and cozy for the perfect comforting meal.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most delicious, creamy, and flavorful result from your Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe every single time.

Use Low Sodium Broth: I always use low sodium or no sodium chicken broth so I can control the salt level better. It makes a big difference since bacon and cheese already add saltiness.
Cook Flour Thoroughly: Stirring and cooking the flour for a few minutes before adding liquids avoids any raw flour taste and helps the soup thicken beautifully.
Add Cheese Slowly: Add shredded cheese gradually while simmering to ensure it melts evenly without clumping or curdling.
Freeze Wisely: To prevent separation, I skip adding cheese before freezing and stir it in fresh when reheating. This little trick keeps the texture silky.

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

Finish your soup with the crispy cooked bacon reserved from the recipe, plus a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast. For an extra touch, try a dollop of sour cream or a few croutons to add texture. Sometimes, a dash of smoked paprika or a few sliced green onions can add a nice pop of flavor too.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with hearty sides like warm crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every creamy bite. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling indulgent, a grilled cheese sandwich is a classic companion that’s sure to please.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an easy option for weekday lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cheese. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw completely and add fresh shredded cheese during reheating to keep that creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When the soup is warm, stir in the cheese and bacon to bring back the luscious creaminess and smoky flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of beer?

Absolutely! While a lager is recommended for its mild flavor, you can substitute with other types like pilsner or even a non-alcoholic beer. Just keep in mind darker beers may add a stronger, more bitter taste.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this soup?

Yes! Simply replace the lager with additional chicken broth or a non-alcoholic beer to keep the rich flavor without the alcohol content.

Why does the soup sometimes separate after freezing?

Cheese-based soups can separate because of the changes in fat and protein when frozen and thawed. To avoid this, don’t add cheese before freezing. Add it fresh when reheating to maintain creaminess.

Can I make this soup ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge without cheese. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the cheese and bacon for best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of Bacon Beer Cheese Soup on a chilly day. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with those cozy flavors that make you feel right at home. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this recipe never disappoints. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite garnishes and sides, and most importantly—enjoy every delicious spoonful!