Irish Beer Cheese Soup ☘️🧀🍺 Bold, Malty, and Deeply Comforting — a True Pub Classic

This soup leans into Irish ingredients: sharp Irish cheddar, dark stout (like Guinness), and butter-sautéed aromatics. The result is a luxuriously smooth soup with rich beer depth, balanced sharpness, and that signature creamy texture.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small leek, white & light green parts only, sliced thin (or 1 small onion, diced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup Irish stout (e.g., Guinness, Murphy’s, or Beamish)
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 6 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups sharp Irish cheddar cheese, shredded (Dubliner, Kerrygold, or aged white cheddar)
• ½ tsp dry mustard or 1 tsp Dijon
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne or dash of Worcestershire
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and cook 5–6 minutes until soft but not browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 2: Make a Roux

Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.

Step 3: Add Beer & Broth

Slowly pour in the stout, whisking to avoid lumps. Add broth and bring to a low simmer. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the beer flavor mellows.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add milk and warm through gently — don’t let it boil.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Add shredded cheddar in handfuls, stirring until fully melted after each addition. Stir in mustard, pepper, and optional heat or Worcestershire. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with more shredded cheddar, chives, crispy bacon, or rye croutons. Serve with Irish soda bread, pretzels, or toasted sourdough.

Beer Style Tips

• Guinness Draught = classic Irish stout with smooth, roasted notes
• Murphy’s or Beamish = alternatives with slightly different profiles
• For a lighter version, use Irish red ale or amber lager
• Avoid bitter IPAs or heavily hopped beers

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed bacon or pancetta with the leeks
• Stir in a spoon of horseradish or stone-ground mustard for kick
• Blend in steamed potatoes or cauliflower for a thicker, veggie-forward base
• Use smoked cheddar or gouda for a deeper, bolder profile

Pro Tips

• Use block cheese and shred fresh — it melts smoother
• Avoid high heat after adding cheese — it can break the emulsion
• Want it silky? Blend everything before adding cheese
• For extra Irish flair, drizzle with Guinness glaze or serve with corned beef sliders

🥣 Explore the Beer-Infused Soup Series

Warm, comforting, and layered with brew-based depth — these beer-infused soups are perfect for chilly nights, pub-inspired meals, or anyone who loves bold, savory flavors in a spoon.

🍺 Beer-Infused Soup Recipes (Main Hub) – Your full guide to hearty, cheesy, and ale-simmered soups.

🧅 Rich, Savory & Brothy

🧅 French Onion Ale Soup – Caramelized onions in a malty ale broth with a cheesy toast topper.
🥔 Potato Ale Soup – Creamy potatoes, beer, and smoky bacon for full-bodied comfort.
🍄 Mushroom & Ale Soup – Earthy mushrooms in a deep, umami-rich ale broth.
🫘 White Bean & Sausage Beer Soup – Hearty, rustic, and loaded with savory flavor.

🧀 Cheesy, Creamy, & Loaded with Flavor

🧀 Beer Cheese Soup – The pub classic: sharp cheddar, malty beer, and creamy richness.
🥔🧀 Beer Cheese Potato Soup – Extra creamy with soft potatoes and melted cheese.
🥦🧀 Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup – A green twist on the cheesy original.
🇮🇪 Irish Beer Cheese Soup – Bold and hearty, with Irish cheddar and dark beer notes.

🌶️ Bonus: Chili Counts Too

🌶️ Beer Chili Recipe – Classic beef chili slow-simmered with ale for depth and body.

Final Thoughts

Irish Beer Cheese Soup is savory, smooth, and full of layered pub flavor — a bowl of creamy cheddar comfort with roasted stout running through it. Whether you’re cooking for St. Patrick’s Day or just chasing cozy pub vibes, this one delivers.

Melt it low. Pour the stout. Serve it hot and hearty. ☘️🧀🍺🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.