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Our Beer Cheese Dip recipe combines rich, gooey cheese and your favorite beer for a mouthwatering appetizer that’s perfect for game day, backyard BBQs, or just a cozy night in. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this dip will have your guests dipping non-stop. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a cheese aficionado, this recipe is a must-try.
Wondering how to serve this recipe? Try it on a baked potato, as a dip for chips, as a side to one ingredientPretzel Bitesand myLarge Soft Pretzels! You can even double the cheesy goodness and serve it alongside ajalapeno popper cheese ball!
Why You Will Love This Cheese Dip For Pretzels
- Party Pleaser: Beer cheese dip is a total crowd-favorite at gatherings. It’s perfect for game nights, BBQs, or any casual get-together where you want a hit appetizer.
- Versatility: You can pair this cheesy dip with a variety of dippers – think pretzels, crackers, veggies, tortilla chips, or even bread. It’s also customizable based on the type of beer and cheese you prefer.
- Easy and Quick: This dip is super easy to make, often requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills. It’s a go-to for a quick, yet impressive, snack.
I had my first pretzel cheese dip when we were traveling in Indiana, of all places. A friend ordered the appetizer and we all quickly devoured it! The magic of mixing melted cheese with the light flavor of beer is unmatched! So delicious and easily one of my favorite pub style treats. This beer cheese sauce is my version of that dream worthy recipe. It is packed with the tang of cheddar with the perfect blend of seasonings. You can’t help but fall in love with this spread!
The beer adds a subtle depth, balancing the rich, tangy cheddar duo with its unique notes. Enhanced with a touch of garlic and mustard for an extra savory kick, this warm, gooey dip is not just a treat for your taste buds but a comforting, indulgent experience that’s hard to resist. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in, it’s cheesy, beer-infused bliss in every bite!
Be sure to try some of our other dips like my 7 Layer Dip Recipe.
Beer Cheese Sauce Ingredients
One of the things I love most about this beer cheese recipe is that it can be served hot as a dip or cold like a spread. Always a crowd pleaser and so simple to customize.
- Butter and Flour: The way to thicken a cheese dip is to make a roux of cooked butter and flour. The mixture of the two makes the perfect flavor start and thickener!
- Seasonings: To help enhance the flavor, a mixture of garlic and onion powder with a pinch of cayenne is added to the mix! So delicious and an easy way to customize. Don’t be afraid to play with the spices that are added.
- Milk: I used 2% milk, but I’m sure any percentage will work great in this dip. A whole milk would make it extra cream and delicious.
- Beer: The best beer to use is a beer that you LIKE to drink. I’ve tested this recipe with dark, light and non alcoholic beers. All add a different and fun flavor.
- Cheese: You can get creative with the block of cheese you use. My personal favorites are sharp cheddar with a mix of white cheddar. All sharp cheddar cheese could be delicious or an addition of gruyere or pepper jack. I do recommend opting for a block of cheese vs pre-shredded cheese. It melts better and gives you a more creamy finish.
Easy Beer Cheese Dip Recipe
This is the best cheese sauce for pretzels. Not only is it incredibly simple to make but it is rich, creamy, and delicious! Here is how you make this recipe:
- ROUX: To start this recipe you need to create a roux. Add butter to a medium saucepan and melt over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, increase to medium heat, and allow it to simmer for 1 minute more.
- SEASON: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne into the melted flour. Slowly whisk in the milk and beer until smooth. Continue to cook until the mix starts to slightly thicken.
- CHEESE: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it has fully melted.
- ENJOY: Serve immediately as a warm dip or chill and serve as a cold spread.
Helpful Tools
- Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Essential for even heat distribution, preventing the cheese from burning or sticking.
- Whisk: A good whisk is key for smoothly combining the cheese with the beer and other ingredients, ensuring a lump-free, creamy texture.
- Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded varieties. A box grater or a hand-held grater does the job perfectly.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the mixture gently and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
Recipe Notes:
What kind of beer works best in beer cheese dip?
Lighter beers like lagers and pilsners are great for a subtle beer flavor, while ales or stouts (darker beer)impart a richer, deeper taste. Avoid overly hoppy beers like IPAs as they can make the dip bitter.
Can I make this dip non-alcoholic?
Yes! Non-alcoholic beers can substitute regular beer, or you can use a mixture of non-alcoholic beer and chicken or vegetable broth for flavor.
What cheeses blend well in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar and white cheddar are popular choices for their rich flavor and good melting qualities. Feel free to experiment with Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different tastes and textures.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Grate the cheese yourself (it melts better than pre-shredded), let it come to room temperature before adding, and stir continuously over low heat.
Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently while stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve with homemade softpretzels, crusty bread, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies. It’s also great drizzled over steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes.
How can I adjust the thickness of the dip?
For a thinner dip, add a bit more beer or some milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer to thicken, or add more cheese.
Can this dip be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture, making it grainy or separated upon reheating.
More Delicious Appetizers to Try
- artichoke dip
-
Veggie Dip
- Skillet Queso
- cheese ball
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite onInstagram,Pinterest, andFacebook!
4.80 from 5 votes
Beer Cheese Dip Recipe
Created by: Jesseca
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes minutes
Total Time 12 minutes minutes
12 servings
This Beer Cheese Dip Recipe is the perfect easy appetizer! Quick to make and perfect for dipping. A combination of two cheeses with a light beer flavor- This dip is going to quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch cayenne
- 1 teaspoon Dijon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup beer
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar
- 3/4 cup white cheddar
Instructions
Add butter to a pot and melt over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and allow it to simmer for 1 minute more.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne into the melted flour.
Slowly whisk in the milk and beer until smooth. Continue to cook until the mix starts to slightly thicken.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it has fully melted.
Serve immediately as a warm dip or chill and serve as a cold spread.
Nutrition
Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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