Do you like beer and cheese? Of course, you do! Beer cheese is a delicious appetizer that is perfect for game day or any party. This is an easy appetizer recipe that everyone will love.
In this recipe, we'll show you how to make beer cheese using cheddar cheese and beer. The beer will give the cheese a nice beer flavor that pairs well with the cheddar. So go ahead and try this recipe - it's perfect party food!
Dreamy, Creamy Beer Cheese Dip
The creamy texture of this beer cheese is undeniable. This tasty cheese dip often referred to as beer cheese sauce is perfect as a pretzel dip. Especially, if you have homemade soft pretzels.
What could be better than pub-style beer cheese dip and a soft pretzel fresh from the oven?
Recipe Ingredients
- Onion. The secret to this recipe is the grated onions.
- Garlic. 1 to 2 cloves of garlic, pressed.
- Unsalted butter.
- All-purpose flour.
- Heavy cream or whole milk.
- Dijon mustard.
- Cheddar cheese. I love to use a block of sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe like Kerry gold's Dubliner cheddar. Always use a block of cheese instead of pre-grated cheese when making a cheese sauce. You will have a creamier and smoother result.
- Beer. I chose a light colored pilsner or lager or a hoppy IPA.
Optional things that you can add to beer cheese
- Hot sauce. I recommend Crystal brand or Tabasco.
- Cayenne pepper. If you like things spiy a sprinkle of cayenne will give you a little kick of spiciness.
- Cream Cheese or American Cheese. A few tablespoons of cream cheese can add an extra creaminess to this cheese sauce. Cream cheese or Velvetta American cheese helps to stabilize the sauce so that it stays smoother.
- Worcestershire sauce. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can add an extra layer of umami to beer cheese.
How To Make Beer Cheese
This beer cheese recipe has a ton of flavor. The secret to all that flavor is created by first caramelizing the grated onions, lightly browning a roux, and then slowly melting the cheese into the cream sauce over medium heat.
- Using a box grater, grate the onion and set it aside.
- Rinse off the grater and then use it to grate the block of cheese. You can also use a food processor to grate your cheese. [note 1]
- Add the unsalted butter to a medium saucepan set to medium heat. Add the grated onions and a little bit of salt. Caramelize the onions until they are lightly golden brown. About 15 to 20 minutes. Nice and slow.
- Add the garlic and sauté for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the flour and allow it to brown for a few minutes. Watch the flour closely and stir it often while it is browning.
- Add the beer to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. You want to burn off the alcohol from the beer. We want beer flavor but not boozy cheese.
- Add in the milk or cream and bring the cheese sauce to a simmer.
- Add in the grated cheese and stir until it is melted.
- Now you can adjust the seasoning by adding it a little hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or Worcestershire sauce.
Step By Step Instructions
What to Serve With Beer Cheese
If you're having a party you're going to want to keep this cheese dip warm. You can keep beer cheese warm in a fondue pot or in a small slow cooker set to low.
Serve with:
- Homemade soft pretzels
- Pretzel sticks
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh veggies; broccoli and cauliflower florets
- Cornichons
- Keilbasa sausage
Frequently Asked Questions
Mainly, cheddar, cream or milk, and beer. The cheese dip is usually thickened with a roux.
No, not usually. The alcohol is usually cooked off of the beer during the cooking process. You just want the beef flavor.
It's called beer cheese because it's made with beer. The hoppy flavor of the beer is delicious with sharp cheddar and is a classic pub-style dip for pretzels.
The best beer for beer cheese is a light-colored beer with a strong flavor; think a hoppy IPA, a lager-style beer, or pilsner. You can experiment with your favorite type of beer.
More Appetizer Recipes
If cheesy dips are what you're craving then I've got a few for you. My Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip is ridiculously delicious. Or if you're in the mood for a Classic Queso then we've got that too!
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Beer Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ medium onion grated
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 3 cups cheddar shredded, about 12 ounces
- ½ cup beer lager, IPA, pilsner
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard or grainy brown mustard
Instructions
- Using a box grater, grate the onion and set it aside.½ medium onion
- Rinse off the grater and then use it to grate the block of cheese. You can also use a food processor to grate your cheese.3 cups cheddar
- Add the unsalted butter to a medium saucepan set to medium heat. Add the grated onions and a little bit of salt. Caramelize the onions until they are lightly golden brown. About 15 to 20 minutes. Nice and slow.½ medium onion, 2 tablespoons butter
- Add the garlic and sauté for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.2 cloves garlic
- Sprinkle over the flour and allow it to brown for a few minutes. Watch the flour closely and stir it often while it is browning.2 tablespoons flour
- Add the beer to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. You want to burn off the alcohol from the beer. We want beer flavor but not boozy cheese.½ cup beer
- Add in the milk or cream and bring the cheese sauce to a simmer.1 cup heavy cream
- Add in the grated cheese and stir until it is melted.3 cups cheddar
- Add in the mustard and stir to combine.1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- Adjust the seasoning by adding it a little hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or Worcestershire sauce.
Laura's Tips + Notes
- Use block cheese for best results. Preshreded cheese doesn't melt as well.
- Hot sauce. I recommend Crystal brand or Tabasco.
- Cayenne pepper. If you like things spiy a sprinkle of cayenne will give you a little kick of spiciness.
- Cream Cheese or American Cheese. A few tablespoons of cream cheese can add an extra creaminess to this cheese sauce. Cream cheese or Velvetta American cheese helps to stabilize the sauce so that it stays smoother.
- Worcestershire sauce. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can add an extra layer of umami to beer cheese.
