Wisconsin Cheddar and Beer Soup with Caramelized Onions

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

A creamy, comforting soup featuring sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese and a touch of local beer, enriched by sweet caramelized onions. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs unsalted butter, medium, diced yellow onion, all-purpose flour 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: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 medium diced yellow onions and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 1 cup lager beer and 3 cups chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups shredded sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and the soup is smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh chopped thyme. Serve hot with slices of crusty bread for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wisconsin Cheddar and Beer Soup with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Wisconsin Cheddar and Beer Soup with Caramelized Onions?

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 Wisconsin Cheddar and Beer Soup with Caramelized Onions?

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 Wisconsin Cheddar and Beer Soup with Caramelized Onions 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 Wisconsin Cheddar and Beer Soup with Caramelized Onions?

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.

Related recipes