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)

If you're craving something irresistibly creamy and packed with bold flavors, this Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar, and smooth lager beer blending into a comforting bowl that’s perfect for chilly days.

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

Every time I make this soup, it feels like a warm hug from my kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and downright satisfying — perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends with minimal fuss.

Super Comforting: The creamy texture with melted cheddar and crispy bacon hits all the cozy food notes.
Easy to Make: One-pot stovetop method means less cleanup and more time enjoying.
Flavor-Packed: The lager beer adds a subtle depth that elevates the cheese soup beyond ordinary.
Versatile: Great as a hearty lunch or a starter for dinner – and leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a little guidance to make sure your soup turns out perfectly rich and flavorful. Choosing the right type of cheese and beer makes all the difference, plus a good-quality bacon sets the base for that smoky goodness.

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 use chopped bacon for that perfect crisp, smoky flavor that infuses the soup.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, balancing the sharpness of the cheese.
Garlic: Just enough to boost the aroma without overpowering.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup into that velvety texture we love.
Chicken broth: Using low or no sodium lets you control the saltiness better.
Milk (2%): Adds creaminess without making it too heavy.
Lager beer: The smooth, mild lager complements the cheese and bacon with subtle malt notes.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild shredded cheddar melts beautifully for that rich, cheesy taste.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning to your preference—don’t skip this step!
Parsley: A fresh pop of green that brightens the final dish.

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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

This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Whether you want to boost the cheesy goodness or make it a little lighter, there are plenty of ways to make this soup truly yours.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the bacon with smoked paprika or use smoked cheese to keep that savory depth without the meat. I’ve tried this on meatless Mondays and still loved every spoonful!
Non-Alcoholic Twist: If you’re avoiding alcohol, simply replace the lager beer with an equal amount of extra chicken broth. The soup stays just as comforting and creamy.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce when seasoning. I like a little heat to balance the creamy cheese and smoky bacon flavors.
Seasonal Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for an extra boost of color and nutrients. It adds a lovely freshness that I enjoy especially in cooler months.

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 cooking the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. It usually takes about 5 minutes for the bacon to become nice and crispy. The sizzling sound and mouthwatering aroma will tell you it’s perfect. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat—save the flavorful bacon fat in the pot for the next step!

Step 2: Soften Onions and Release Garlic Aroma

Using the bacon fat left in your Dutch oven, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for 3 to 5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent—this is key for building a rich base flavor. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Create the Roux and Add Your Liquids

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the softened onion and garlic, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. This step helps remove the raw flour taste and begins to thicken the soup. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and your lager beer until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Step 4: Simmer Until Silky and Thickened

Bring your soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the pot. You’ll notice the soup thickening and the flavors melding together beautifully.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Add Bacon

Turn off the heat briefly and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into that smooth, creamy soup. Then, bring the heat back to low and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the cheese from separating. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in most of the crispy bacon, saving some for garnish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot, comforting soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The crispy bacon on top adds a delightful crunch to every creamy spoonful — trust me, you won’t want to skip this!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the creamiest, most flavorful Bacon Beer Cheese Soup every time while avoiding common pitfalls.

Perfect Crispy Bacon: Make sure to cook your chopped bacon just until crisp but not overdone. This retains a nice chew and flavor without burning.
Slowly Whisk in Liquids: When you add the broth, milk, and lager beer to the roux, pour gradually and whisk constantly to keep the soup silky smooth without lumps.
Stir Often While Simmering: Stirring occasionally during the 20-minute simmer prevents the soup from sticking or separating and helps it thicken evenly.
Add Cheese Last: To avoid curdling or separating, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese near the end and keep the heat gentle while it melts.

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

Top your bowls with some of the reserved crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness. For extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream or a few extra shreds of sharp cheddar cheese on top.

Side Dishes

This rich and creamy soup pairs beautifully with buttery garlic bread, warm soft pretzels, or a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave while stirring occasionally.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To prevent cheese separation, freeze the soup without cheese and add it fresh when reheating and ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once warmed through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, sharp cheddar is recommended for bold flavor, but you can use mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses depending on your taste preference.

What if I don’t want to use beer?

Simply substitute the lager beer with additional chicken broth to make a non-alcoholic version that still tastes delicious.

How do I prevent the soup from separating?

Stir frequently while simmering and add cheese slowly over low heat. For freezing, keep cheese separate until reheating.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to 2 days ahead, store in the fridge, then reheat gently and add cheese before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Beer Cheese Soup Recipe brings cozy, comforting flavors to your bowl with every sip, making it the perfect treat for chilly days or casual gatherings. With its creamy texture and smoky bacon goodness, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. Enjoy making it your own, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones – great food, after all, tastes best when shared!