Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels
Sep 26, 2024
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Beer cheese is America’s answer to Fondue: it’s melty, delicious, and makes just about anything taste better. It’s a little different than my other cheesy dips (Blue Cheese Dip, Whipped Burrata, & Whipped Ricotta), but I promise it’s just as craveable! This crowd-pleasing dip is perfect as a game day snack and/or appetizer for fall festivities.
Pair it with my Crudite Platter, Pretzel Board, Meatball Board, BBQ Chicken Board, and Salami Chips. For more great snack ideas, check out my other Dip Recipes.
What Is Beer Cheese?
Not to be confused with pub cheese (a spreadable cheese sometimes made with beer), beer cheese is not so much a cheese as it is a mixture of cheeses, usually cheddar being one of them. As you can see in my recipe, there is indeed beer in it too (though most of the alcohol will cook off)!
The beer brings out the umami flavors of the cheese and is also a great way to include some of the flavors from your favorite brew! Traditionally, beer cheese is made with flat pilsner-style beers and served cold, but this recipe is meant to be served warm—hello, ooey gooey cheese pulls!
History of Beer Cheese
In 2013, Clark County Kentucky was recognized as the birthplace of beer cheese. Back in the 1930s, Chef Joe Allman made this salty, spicy dip for his cousin Johnnie, who served it to increase customers’ appetites for beer, or so the story goes. Nothing makes you quite as thirsty as salt and spice!
Some find Kentucky beer cheese quite similar to Bavarian Obatzda, a spiced cheese spread made with Camembert and butter. Given America’s history, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that the dip made its way across the pond and took on a life of its own.
Beer Cheese Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup beer of your choice
- 2 cups grated cheddar
- 1 cup grated gruyere
- Pretzels, for serving
Best Beer for Beer Cheese
Traditionally, beer cheese was made with leftover, flat beer (waste not, want not!), but nowadays you can make it with your favorite style. For a milder flavor, go with a lager or pilsner-style (like I did!). If you love hoppy flavor, go with your favorite IPA! Feeling seasonal? Try a pumpkin ale. There really is no right or wrong beer … just be aware that the stronger the beer, the more you’ll taste it!
How To Make Beer Cheese
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and stir constantly until a wet, sand-like texture forms, 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce; cook for another 30 seconds. Add the milk and beer and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 30-60 seconds more.
- Add a third of the cheddar and gruyere cheeses; whisk until melted and fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Repeat with remaining cheese.
- Serve in a bowl with pretzels on the side for dipping.
Video How-To
Things to Dip in Beer Cheese
In addition to pretzels, here are some other fun things to dip in beer cheese:
- Soft pretzels
- Toasted baguette
- Tortilla chips
- Smoked sausage or bratwurst
- Firm veggies (think celery, carrots, & broccoli)
- Salami Chips
Beer Cheese Beverage Pairings
There really is no wrong beer to drink with beer cheese dip. However, since it’s intentionally salty and spicy, going for an uber drinkable, thirst-quenching beer is my go-to. Try:
- Lemonade
- A crisp pilsner or lager
- A session ale or juicy pale ale
- A bright hefeweizen
- Sweet tea
Show Me Your Beer Cheese
I hope this post inspires you to make this beer cheese dip. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful apps and snacks you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share!
And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.
Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup beer of your choice
- 2 cups grated cheddar
- 1 cup grated gruyere
- Pretzels for serving
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and stir constantly until a wet, sand-like texture forms, 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce; cook for another 30 seconds. Add the milk and beer and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 30-60 seconds more.
- Add a third of the cheddar and gruyere cheeses; whisk until melted and fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Repeat with remaining cheese.
- Serve in a bowl with pretzels on the side for dipping.
Photos by my friends at Salt Worth Creative, who also shot The Cheese Board Deck.
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This beer cheese recipe looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try it with homemade pretzels. Perfect for game days or cozy nights in. Thanks for sharing!