Beer cheese soup is a beloved dish that brings together bold flavors and cozy textures. With its velvety smoothness, cheesy depth, and warm beer undertones, it’s a hearty and satisfying soup perfect for cold nights, game days, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and savory.
Whether you serve it with crusty bread, pretzels, or even beer bread, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Rich and Creamy Texture – Perfectly thick with a luxurious mouthfeel.
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Bold, Comforting Flavor – Sharp cheddar and beer add deep layers of taste.
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Customizable – Easily adjust heat, cheese type, or beer style.
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Perfect for Entertaining – A crowd-pleasing appetizer or hearty main course.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need for the best homemade beer cheese soup:
Base Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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1 carrot, peeled and grated
Thickening & Liquid:
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer (lager, pale ale, or your favorite)
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2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
Flavor & Cheese:
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
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Crumbled bacon
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Chopped chives
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Popcorn or croutons
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Extra shredded cheese
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 40–45 minutes
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Servings: 4–6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beer Cheese Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. This forms the base that thickens your soup.
Step 3: Add the Beer
Slowly pour in the beer while stirring to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off most of the alcohol and bring out the malty flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Dairy
Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add milk and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened—about 5–7 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Blend (Optional)
For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer to a blender in batches.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, chopped chives, or popcorn. Serve hot with a hunk of crusty bread or soft pretzel.
Best Cheeses to Use in Beer Cheese Soup
Sharp Cheddar
Bold and tangy, sharp cheddar is the most traditional and flavorful choice.
Gruyère
Adds a nutty depth and melts beautifully into a silky texture.
Monterey Jack
Creamy and mild—great for a smooth consistency and stretch.
Mix and Match
Use a blend for layered flavor—try 2 cups cheddar + 1 cup Gruyère.
Choosing the Right Beer
Light Lagers
Mild and subtle, great for a neutral beer flavor that won’t overpower.
Pale Ale
Adds a nice hoppy bitterness that complements sharp cheese.
Wheat Beer
Smoother with hints of citrus—ideal for a summer twist.
Avoid Bitter IPAs
Too much bitterness can overpower the soup.
Tip: Always choose a beer you enjoy drinking—the flavor carries through.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Jalapeño Beer Cheese Soup
Add 1–2 diced jalapeños along with the aromatics for heat.
Bacon and Beer Cheese Soup
Cook 4 slices of bacon before starting; crumble and stir some into the soup, and save the rest for topping.
Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup
Add 1 cup of finely chopped broccoli with the liquids and simmer until tender.
Pretzel-Topped Beer Cheese Soup
Serve with soft pretzel bites for an authentic pub-style experience.
Tips for the Creamiest Soup
Shred Your Own Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t Boil After Adding Cheese
High heat can cause the cheese to break. Keep the soup on low once cheese is added.
Stir Constantly
Keep the mixture moving while adding cheese to ensure a silky result.
Use an Immersion Blender
For a velvety texture, blend the soup just before adding the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Beer cheese soup is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, or it can be served as an appetizer. Here are a few ideas:
With Bread or Pretzels
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Garlic breadsticks
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Sourdough or beer bread
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Pretzel rolls or pretzel bites
As a Starter
Serve small cups as a rich, cozy beginning to a grilled meat or sandwich dinner.
As a Main Course
Pair with a salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled sausage for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Avoid freezing—it may cause the cheese to separate. If needed, freeze before adding the cheese.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen if thickened.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, approx.)
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Calories: 450–550
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Fat: 35g
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Protein: 18g
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Carbs: 15g
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Sodium: 600mg
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Fiber: 1g
Varies based on cheese, milk, and optional ingredients.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prep the Veggies in Advance
Chop your onion, celery, carrot, and garlic up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge.
Pre-Shred Cheese
Grate your cheese and store it in a container to speed up the cooking process.
Make a Base
Prepare the soup base without the cheese, refrigerate it, and melt in cheese before serving.
FAQs
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and a gluten-free beer.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Absolutely! You’ll still get the depth of flavor without the alcohol.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes! Just make sure they melt well. Avoid crumbly cheeses like feta or blue.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
Conclusion
Beer cheese soup is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy goodness and comforting warmth. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining friends for game day, this soup never disappoints. With endless variations and a foolproof method, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Now that you’ve mastered beer cheese soup, why not pair it with homemade beer bread, soft pretzels, or explore other beer-based comfort foods?