What is it like to have a bowl of soup in the evening? What brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, the aroma of simmering goodness. Filling the air. While she was famous for her chicken noodle, my personal comfort food champion is without a doubt, Chicken Noodle. What is beer cheese soup? And let me tell you, this is the truth.How do you make a crockpot beerIs there a game changer in the new version What is the best beer Cheese Soup Recipe? Is it the lazy-day cousin of mac and cheese? I think you’ll love this as much as my family and friends do. I almost always have these ingredients on hand, which is such a life saver for dinner prep.

What is a crockpot beer cheese soup?

If you’ve never had beer cheese soup before, picture this: “Beer Cheese Soup” It’s essentially a thick, creamy soup infused with the delicious flavor of beer and, of course, lots of flavor. Lots of cheese. Think of it as a grown-up grilled cheese sandwich, but in soup form.What are some recipes for crockpot beer cheeseWhat is Slow Cooker cooking? Instead of standing over a hot stove, stirring constantly, you just toss everything into the bowl. How do you set a crockpot and forget it? What are some comforting recipes for a lazy weeknight? Without a ton of effort, I can’t do anything

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? The combination of the beer, cheese, and spices creates this rich, savory flavor. Is it addictive? Is it easy to make? Is this one of those recipes where you just throw everything in a pot and let it do its thing? No fancy techniques or complicated steps required. What I love about this is the cost-efficiency. What are some of the best ingredients to cook with in your pantry? Is it really versatile? Can you add different veggies, meats, or toppings to it to your liking?How do you make a crockpot beerWhat is a cross between my mom’s potato soup and my husband’s insistence on using craft beer in his recipe? What is this recipe for?

How do you make a crockpot beer cheese soup?

Quick Overview

Making this How do you make a crockpot beerIs it incredibly simple? What’s the best way to sauté veggies in a Slow Cooker? Let it cook until everything is tender and flavorful. Then, you add the cheese, stir until melted, and that’s it! What are some of the best meals to eat on a busy day?

Ingredients

For the Main Soup:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups chicken broth (I’ve even used vegetable broth and it works great!)
* 1 (12 ounce) bottle of your favorite beer (I usually go for an amber ale or a lager)
* 4 cups cubed potatoes (I like Yukon gold for their creamy texture)
* 1 teaspoon dried mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I like to use a mix of sharp and mild)
* 1 cup milk or half-and-half (for extra creaminess)

For the Toppings (optional, but highly recommended):
* Cooked bacon, crumbled
* Green onions, chopped
* Shredded cheese
* Croutons

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

How do you heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat? Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the onion and cook for another minute until fragrant. I always do this to bring out the flavors of the veggies before adding them to the Slow Cooker.

Step 2: Add to the Crockpot

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your Slow Cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and beer. Add the potatoes, dried mustard, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are tender. I usually go for the low setting because I think it really helps the flavors meld together, but I do not like the high setting. I am short on time. What should I do? The longer it simmers, the better!

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the cheddar cheese and milk or half-and-half until the cheese is melted and the soup is thick. Is it smooth and creamy? What is the best part? Make sure you use good quality cheese because it really makes a difference in the flavor and texture. I tested this with a vegan cheese once, and it just didn’t melt as well as cheddar does.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

What are some of the best toppings for soup? What is the best way to make shredded cheese and What is the best soup to serve during football season with a cold beer? I love bacon. Who doesn’t love it?

What should I serve it with?

This How do you make a crockpot beerWhat is a meal in itself?What is a good light lunch?A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of soup.What is a hearty dinner?Grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for dipping. What is the perfect pairing for a cold winter night?For game day: Soft pretzel bites or pigs in a blanket. Because what’s a game day without some cheesy, carby goodness? I love to serve this with mini pretzel bites to make it even more festive.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Beer Cheese Soup

Choose the right beer: Opt for a beer that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will shine through in the soup. I usually go for an amber ale or a lager, but feel free to experiment with different styles. Just avoid anything too hoppy, as it can make the soup taste bitter. If you’re worried about the alcohol content, you can simmer it on the stove for a bit before adding the other ingredients.

Don’t skimp on the cheese: Use good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture. I like to use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a balanced flavor.

Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese ensures a creamy, lump-free soup.

Adjust the thickness to your liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more chicken broth or beer. I usually don’t make it thicker unless people prefer it, because to me it’s perfect as is!

Don’t overcook the cheese: Adding the cheese at the end and stirring until just melted will prevent it from becoming stringy or clumpy. I learned this the hard way after one beer cheese soup turned into a cheese monster!

Get creative with the toppings: The toppings are where you can really customize this soup to your liking. Some of my favorites include crumbled bacon, green onions, shredded cheese, croutons, hot sauce, and sour cream. The possibilities are endless!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: This crockpot beer cheese soup can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours if kept covered. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little extra broth or milk when reheating.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed below.

Reheating Tips: To reheat the soup, you can either microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, or heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth or milk to thin it out. I wouldn’t add the cheese again, or else it could get a bit too gloopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without beer?

Yes, you can substitute the beer with an equal amount of chicken broth or non-alcoholic beer. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. I’ve used non-alcoholic beer and it tasted pretty much the same.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or smoked Gouda. Just make sure the cheese melts well. I really liked pepper jack because it gave it a little kick!

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the soup. Just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t dry out. I love bacon with this soup, so I always have bacon bits ready in my fridge.

Is this soup gluten-free?

This crockpot beer cheese soup can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free beer or substituting the beer with chicken broth. Just make sure all the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this soup in the Instant Pot. Just sauté the veggies using the “sauté” function, then add the remaining ingredients (except for the cheese and milk). Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release the pressure. Stir in the cheese and milk until melted.

Final Thoughts

This crockpot beer cheese soup has become a family favorite, and I hope it becomes one for you too! It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. What’s not to love? I think the best part is how customizable it is! If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy my other crockpot soup recipes. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it out. Also, let me know what variations you come up with – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking!