Milwaukee-Style Beer Cheese Soup with Smoked Sausage

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

A creamy, comforting soup inspired by Milwaukee flavors, combining sharp cheddar cheese, smooth beer, and smoky sausage. This american-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs unsalted butter, medium, finely diced yellow onion, medium, finely diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 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 medium finely diced yellow onion, 2 finely diced medium carrots, and 2 finely diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux that is lightly golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 12 oz lager beer and 4 cups chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup heavy cream. Add 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
  6. Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Milwaukee-Style Beer Cheese Soup with Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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-Style Beer Cheese Soup with Smoked Sausage?

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-Style Beer Cheese Soup with Smoked Sausage?

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-Style Beer Cheese Soup with Smoked Sausage 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-Style Beer Cheese Soup with Smoked Sausage?

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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