Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the base of your soup and infuses it with wonderful, savory flavors.

Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. This will help thicken your soup later. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent any clumps from forming. The mixture should become slightly golden in color.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to combine. Then, add the beer while continuing to whisk. The beer will give the soup its distinct flavor and create a rich base.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the soup start to thicken.

Once the broth and beer are simmering, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese fully melts and the soup becomes creamy.

Pour in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, stirring until everything is well combined. The cream adds a luxurious texture that makes this soup so satisfying.

Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning as you go, so feel free to add more for extra flavor!

Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes to allow all the ingredients to blend together perfectly.

Once your soup has reached the perfect creamy consistency, it's time to serve! Ladle the beer cheese soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like crispy bacon, fresh herbs, or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.