Description
Indulgent beer cheese dip blends rich cheddar with hoppy craft beer, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Serve with pretzels, crusty bread, or crisp vegetable sticks for a deliciously irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 4 ounces (½ cup) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup beer (lager, pale ale)
Base and Thickening Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk
Seasonings and Optional Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Crumbled crispy bacon
Serving Suggestions:
- Soft pretzels
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Vegetables
Instructions
- Craft a golden roux by melting butter in a saucepan and gradually incorporating flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth, silky base.
- Allow the roux to simmer gently, stirring attentively to prevent scorching and develop a rich, nutty undertone without browning.
- Gradually stream in milk, maintaining a steady whisking motion to ensure a luxuriously smooth consistency without lumps.
- Incorporate aromatic garlic and robust Dijon mustard, infusing the sauce with depth and a subtle tangy kick.
- Reduce heat and fold in an array of shredded cheeses – sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and tangy cream cheese – stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Slowly pour in your chosen beer, selecting a complementary variety that enhances the dip’s flavor profile, whether a crisp lager or a rich amber ale.
- Season the mixture with smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and a whisper of salt, adjusting to taste and creating a harmonious flavor landscape.
- Continue simmering and stirring until the dip reaches a velvety, luxurious texture that coats the back of a spoon perfectly.
- Transfer the warm, bubbling cheese dip to a serving vessel, garnishing with fresh chives or green onions for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and preventing clumping in the dip.
- Select a flavorful beer like amber ale or lager that complements the sharp cheddar, avoiding bitter or overly hoppy varieties.
- Gradually add cheese to the roux, stirring constantly to create a silky, even texture without graininess.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cheese with low-fat options and use milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Drinks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg