When it comes to incorporating beer into gourmet cooking, the Irish reign supreme.

There are few things as delicious as beer paired with cheese, and this soup recipe brings them together in a flavorful explosion that’s guaranteed to make your mouth water.

The best part? This recipe also includes crispy, sizzling bacon! To get things started, you’ll need to grab your stock pot and set it over medium heat. Add your favorite brand of bacon and cook it thoroughly.

Once it’s perfectly brown and crispy, spoon out the bacon onto a plate. Set the pot aside as you’ll be using the leftover grease. In the same pot, cook your seasoned vegetables using the succulent bacon grease from before.

Saute your veggies for approximately 5-7 minutes or until they’re browned on the edges. Now it’s time to add your favorite Irish lager. Two 12-ounce bottles should do the trick.

Add chicken stock to the mix after 5 minutes and let it simmer. While you wait, create a roux in a separate pan using flour and butter. This will be used to thicken the soup to an irresistibly creamy texture.

Add the roux, whisking rigorously. Cook for another 8 minutes, then add cream and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and serve in a bread bowl topped with bacon for a tasty presentation that won’t soon be forgotten!