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; 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 anything like me and love a soup that’s both indulgent and comforting, you’re going to adore this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon bits—a perfect warm hug for chilly days 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 made this soup one cold afternoon, and honestly, it quickly became a staple in my recipe rotation. The way the sharp cheddar melts into the lager-infused broth gives it such a unique, rich flavor you won't find anywhere else.

Deeply Flavorful: The combination of crispy bacon and lager adds layers of savory richness.
Simple to Make: Uses everyday ingredients and comes together on the stovetop in under an hour.
Customizable: Adjust the sharpness of the cheddar or the salt to match your tastes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser at casual gatherings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To make this soup extra delicious, it’s important to choose quality ingredients—especially when it comes to the bacon and cheese. Here are the key players that make all the magic happen.

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: I find that thick-cut bacon works best for a nice balance of crispiness and flavor.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base that complements the cheese perfectly.
Garlic: Just a few cloves boost the aroma and depth without overpowering.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates that silky thickness everyone loves in cheese soup.
Chicken Broth: Using low or no sodium allows you to control the saltiness better.
Milk: I prefer 2% milk here—it keeps the soup creamy without being too heavy.
Lager: This adds a subtle maltiness and bright finish to the broth.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold punch, but mild works if you want a creamier texture.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a hint of color and a mild herbal note as garnish.

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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 wonderful thing about this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your tastes and dietary preferences. Feel free to mix and match ingredients or adjust the flavors so each bowl feels just right for you and your guests.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the bacon for smoked paprika and add sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, rich flavor without the pork. I tried this once for a meat-free Sunday dinner, and my family loved the depth the mushrooms brought to the soup!
Dairy-Free Twist: For those avoiding dairy, replace the milk with a creamy oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. While it’s a bit less rich, the lager and spices still make it incredibly comforting.
Seasonal Spin: Add some roasted butternut squash cubes or sweet corn for a subtle sweetness that works beautifully when autumn rolls around. It adds a lovely earthy sweetness and brightens up the soup.
Extra Kick: If you’re in the mood for a little heat, stir in some cayenne pepper or top with jalapeño slices. I like to add a pinch of cayenne right before serving to spice things up without overpowering the cheesy goodness.

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 the Bacon

Start by chopping 6 slices of bacon and cooking them in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. It takes about 5 minutes for the bacon to become perfectly crisp and golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate so the excess fat drains off. This bacon will add incredible smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch later on.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Using the bacon fat left in the pot, add one large chopped onion. Cook it over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent—this slowly builds a flavorful base for your soup. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until you smell that inviting aroma. Be careful not to brown the garlic, or it might turn bitter.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour evenly over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir it well and let it cook for about 3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then here’s the magic: gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of 2% milk, and an 8-ounce lager. Keep whisking to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening into a smooth, creamy broth full of depth.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Add Bacon

Stir in 12 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese—use sharp for a punchy bite or mild for creaminess—and let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to melt the cheese completely and create that velvety texture we love. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper (adjust to your taste). Fold in most of the crispy bacon you set aside earlier, saving some for topping your bowls.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle with the remaining crispy bacon and 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot and enjoy a hearty, cozy bowl that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for chilly days or casual get-togethers.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Bacon Beer Cheese Soup demands a little attention to detail, and these tips will help you get that rich, creamy texture and deep, savory flavor every time.

Crisp Your Bacon Just Right: Cooking the chopped bacon until it's perfectly crisp, about 5 minutes, ensures it adds that wonderful smoky crunch without becoming tough or chewy.
Sauté Onions Slowly: I learned that cooking the onions gently until translucent (3 to 5 minutes) develops sweetness and depth that balances the soup’s rich cheese and beer flavors.
Whisk Gradually: When adding flour and liquids, whisking steadily helps avoid lumps and creates a velvety smooth base for the soup.
Hold Some Cheese & Bacon for Garnish: Reserving a bit of shredded cheddar and bacon keeps your presentation vibrant and your soup looking inviting—plus, it adds a fresh pop of flavor with every bite.

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 elevate your Bacon Beer Cheese Soup, garnish it with the reserved crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some green onions for extra tang and texture. Crusty bread or soft pretzels on the side make for perfect dipping companions.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside warm, buttery garlic bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich—the cheesy goodness on both fronts is a match made in heaven.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bacon Beer Cheese Soup in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To avoid cheese separating during freezing, skip adding the cheddar cheese before you freeze it. Instead, add fresh shredded cheese when you’re reheating—it keeps the soup creamy and smooth.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the cheese well incorporated. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. Add the reserved cheese and bacon garnish at the end for that fresh, comforting finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a smooth lager to keep the flavors balanced, you can experiment with pilsners, ales, or even stouts for a richer or slightly different taste. Just keep in mind stronger beers will impact the soup’s overall flavor profile.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky depth the bacon provides.

What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar stands out with a bold flavor that really defines the soup, but mild cheddar produces a creamier, gentler taste. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or even a combination to suit your palate.

Why did my soup separate when reheated?

Cheese soups can sometimes separate when reheated too quickly or at too high a temperature. Reheat slowly over low to medium heat and stir often. Also, avoid freezing the soup with cheese already added—add fresh cheese after thawing to maintain smoothness.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is a cozy, satisfying bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re huddled in on a chilly evening or serving friends at a laid-back gathering, it hits all the right notes of smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and just the right touch of beer. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to make it your own and enjoy every delicious spoonful.