Description
A rich and creamy Bacon and Beer Cheese Soup combining crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth lager beer base for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Soup Base
- 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 ounce lager beer
- 12 ounce 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 the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same Dutch oven with bacon fat, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Make Roux and Add Liquids: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir continuously, cooking for about 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and lager beer until smooth.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes until the soup thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid separation. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Add most of the cooked bacon into the soup and stir it in. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To avoid separation, do not add the cheese until reheating and ready to serve.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheesy flavor or mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
- If preferred, substitute beer with more chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
