Milwaukee-Inspired Cheddar and Beer Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, rich cheddar and beer soup inspired by Milwaukee’s brewing heritage, with a hint of smoky paprika and fresh herbs. This american-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs unsalted butter, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1 cup lager beer and 3 cups chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives and serve warm with crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Milwaukee-Inspired Cheddar and Beer Soup take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Milwaukee-Inspired Cheddar and Beer Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Milwaukee-Inspired Cheddar and Beer Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Milwaukee-Inspired Cheddar and Beer Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Milwaukee-Inspired Cheddar and Beer Soup?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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