This Mushroom & Ale Soup is pure comfort in a bowl — meaty mushrooms, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a malty ale broth that brings it all together.

It’s hearty enough to be dinner, especially when served with a chunk of crusty bread or a side of cheddar beer biscuits.

Vegetarian-friendly (if you use veggie stock), rich in umami, and laced with just enough beer to make it interesting.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, or button), sliced
• 1½ tsp fresh thyme (or ¾ tsp dried)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds warmth)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 12 oz ale (brown ale, amber ale, or stout)
• 3 cups vegetable or beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or half & half
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for extra umami

Beer Tip: Go for a smooth, malty beer — brown ale, mild stout, or amber. Hoppy IPAs will overpower the earthy mushroom flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onions and cook slowly for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and lightly golden.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Add mushrooms, garlic, thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt.

Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.

Step 3: Make a Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat everything.

Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add the Ale & Broth

• Slowly pour in the ale, scraping the bottom of the pot.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the broth.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Stir in cream or half & half. Simmer 5 minutes more, then taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Top With:
  • Croutons or garlic toast
  • Shaved Parmesan or Gruyère
  • Chopped parsley or chives
• Serve With:
  • Toasted beer bread
  • Sharp cheddar biscuits
  • A cold pint of the same ale you cooked with

🥣 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

Mushroom & Ale Soup is earthy, creamy, and full of deep, satisfying flavor.

It’s a weeknight comfort soup that eats like a main course and pairs perfectly with your favorite loaf of crusty bread and a glass of something malty and cold.

Cheers to soup that tastes like a slow afternoon in a British pub! 🍄🍺🔥

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.