Grab Some Salted Pretzels for This Beer Cheese Dip (2024)

Table of Contents
Ingredients Directions FAQs

Warm, creamy, and layered with rich flavor, beer cheese dip is a king among party dips. Just like wine does with cheese fondue, beer balances the richness of gooey, melty cheese, thinning it just enough to make it perfect for dipping pretzels, chips, and carrots, just to name a few. It’s the perfect dip for the Super Bowl, your next game night, or just a plain ol' Tuesday that needs a comfort food boost. Plus, it's ready in just 15 minutes and can be kept warm in asmall slow cookerset to low. Acheese dip recipe that stays warm and melty for hours? Yes, please!

What beer is best for beer cheese dip?

The best beer for beer cheese dip depends on how much you like beer. This recipe uses a strong, hoppy IPA, which brings a big "beer-y" flavor to the party. If you're a fan of milder beers, opt for a pilsner or a lager. Stout beers are delicious, but be aware that they might affect the color of the dip.

What type of cheese goes in beer cheese dip?

This recipe uses two different types of cheese: fontina and sharp cheddar. The sharp cheddar gives the dip some bite while the rich, sweetfontina adds depth and balance.Plus,both cheeses melt beautifully into this creamy dip!

Can I serve beer cheese dip to kids?

It's a little tricky.Most of the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the beer's flavor behind. While some residual alcohol could remain, it’s a very minor amount. If you're still concerned, you can use a non-alcoholic beer to get a similar flavor.

What’s the secret to keeping beer cheese dip smooth?

Low and slow cooking is the way to go to keep this beer cheese dip silky smooth. If you crank up the heat and try to melt the cheese too quickly, it could cause the mixture to separate. Keep the heat low, add the cheese in batches, and have your favorite whisk handy.

What do you serve withbeer cheese dip?

Pretzels—in any size, shape, and form—are the perfect partner for beer cheese dip. Try surrounding this beer cheesewith a variety of dippers like steamed fingerling potatoes, roasted cauliflower, sliced cooked bratwurst, baby carrots, and celery sticks.

Can you reheat beer cheese dip?

Yes! If you have leftover beer cheese dip, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in a saucepan on the stove for the best results. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is hot and smooth. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to keep a careful eye on it and stir often.

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Yields:
6 - 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
15 mins

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c.

    unsalted butter

  • 1/2 c.

    finely chopped yellow onion

  • 1/4 c.

    all-purpose flour

  • 1

    (12-oz.) canIPA beer

  • 1/4 c.

    half-and-half

  • 6 oz.

    shredded fontina cheese

  • 6 oz.

    shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese

  • 1 tsp.

    dijon mustard

  • 1/2 tsp.

    Worcestershire sauce

  • Chopped chives and/or black pepper, for garnish

  • Pretzels, to serve

Directions

    1. Step1In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
    2. Step2Gradually whisk in the beer and half and half. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened and just begins to bubble, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheeses, whisking constantly, until melted and combined. Remove from the heat.
    3. Step3Whisk in the Dijon mustard and the Worcestershire sauce. Garnish with chives and black pepper, if you like.Serve with pretzels; re-warm gently as needed.

Tip: Serve beer cheese dip in a slow cooker set to low heat so that it stays warm for the entire party.

Grab Some Salted Pretzels for This Beer Cheese Dip (3)

Recipe bySloane Layton

Sloane Layton is a trained chef, recipe developer and regular contributor to ThePioneerWoman.com. An avid bread baker and pastry connoisseur, when she’s not proofing sourdough, she enjoys traveling, and is always on the hunt for the flakiest croissant.

Grab Some Salted Pretzels for This Beer Cheese Dip (2024)

FAQs

Is beer cheese dip ok for kids? ›

Can I serve beer cheese dip to kids? It's a little tricky. Most of the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the beer's flavor behind. While some residual alcohol could remain, it's a very minor amount.

What is pretzel cheese dip made of? ›

Cheese dip is a melted cheese sauce which is usually served as an appetizer alongside pretzels, tortilla chips, bread or vegetables. What is pretzel cheese made of? It consists of butter, cheese, milk, cornstarch and seasonings. The milk helps keep the cheese sauce in a smooth consistency.

How long is beer cheese good for in the fridge? ›

Beer cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, where it will keep for three to four days. When buying store-bought cheese, simply leave it in its original container. Transfer homemade beer cheese to an airtight container.

What snacks go well with cheese dip? ›

What to Serve With Cheese Dip. Serve this hearty cheese dip with tortilla chips, vegetables, pretzels, crackers, or homemade crostini. It also makes an indulgent topping for nachos, French fries, or baked potatoes.

How much alcohol is in beer cheese dip? ›

Roughly speaking: Beer cheese sauce, bourbon caramel and other sauces brought to a boil and then removed from the heat typically retain about 85 percent of the alcohol. Diane, cherries jubilee and other recipes that flame the alcohol may still have 75 percent of the alcohol.

What does beer cheese dip taste like? ›

This Beer Cheese Dip Is:

Wildly robust with deep flavor. Extra smooth and creamy. Pub-style and a snack you'd find at a brewery. Flavored with smoked paprika, garlic, and the slightest bit of dijon mustard.

What type of beer is used in beer cheese? ›

Use any beer you enjoy drinking will make for a great beer cheese dip! I prefer something with a more amber color and wheat flavor, like a Wheat beer, a German Hefeweizen, or a Lager.

Is pretzel salt just salt? ›

Pretzel salt is a type of coarse long-grained salt. It is typically uniform in size with a flat, rectangular shape. These characteristics are what make them so good for pretzels as well as other types of baked goods.

Why does pretzel salt taste better? ›

Pretzel Salt

It is a coarse-grained salt that adds a distinct flavor and texture to pretzels, making them savory and delicious. Pretzel salt is typically made up of larger salt crystals, which adhere well to the surface of the dough and provide a satisfying crunch when bitten into.

Why is beer cheese so good? ›

Lager Beer and Half & Half: The liquid components for the cheese sauce base; beer adds a malty flavor, while half & half brings creaminess and richness. Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper: These flavorings contribute depth, tanginess, savory notes, and a hint of heat.

Is beer cheese salty? ›

It's taste is salty, chewy, and smoked with a hint of Hickory Woodchips. Unbraid and peel for a playful snacking experience, perfect alongside your favorite beer, a glass of wine, or even on its own if your craving a solo cheese adventure.

Is beer cheese a southern thing? ›

Beer cheese is a tasty accompaniment to pretzels and other snacks thanks to its spicy, beer-tinged flavor. While this spreadable cheese (which is an amalgamation of different cheeses) is known far and wide these days, it most likely originated in the southern part of the U.S. nearly a century ago.

What is the best way to eat beer cheese? ›

My family loves this dip with homemade soft pretzel bites, but the dipping options are endless—tortilla chips, baguette slices, crackers, or crudités are all great options. The dip is also delicious slathered on top of a juicy burger.

What else can you eat with dip? ›

Hearty dips call for sturdy dippers. You need a solid platform to support all that good stuff. Tortilla chips, thicker potato chips, crackers, toasts and bagel crisps, bread sticks and pretzels, slices apples and pears, and raw veggies work best with these dips.

What to serve with cheddar beer bread? ›

Again, due to its dense texture, beer bread goes perfectly with dips and spreads. Serve up a thick slice with your favorite spread or cube a loaf to use as an appetizer with your favorite dip or dipping oil. Think brisket, chicken, ribs, steaks, pork loin – all pair wonderfully with a slice of beer bread.

Do you eat beer cheese hot or cold? ›

Serve cold as a spread or warm as a dip. If you want to serve this dip warm, simply whisk constantly in a small saucepan over low heat, or microwave on high in 1 minute intervals, stirring between sessions until cheese dip is warm and heated through.

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