Randy Chandler
Beer cheese is a versatile dip that can be served with a variety of foods. It is typically made with a combination of melted butter, flour, milk, beer, and cheese, resulting in a creamy and flavourful sauce. The type of beer used can vary depending on preference, ranging from lager to IPA, and the cheese is often a mix of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère. This dip is commonly served with soft pretzels, but it can also be paired with tortilla chips, breadsticks, vegetables, or even used as a topping for grilled cheese or mashed potatoes. With its rich and indulgent flavour, beer cheese is an ideal appetizer or game-day snack, offering a unique twist on traditional cheese dips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 15 minutes |
| Main ingredients | Beer, cheese, butter, flour, milk |
| Cheese types | Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, American |
| Beer types | Lager, IPA, German-style beer, local lager, stout |
| Dippers | Soft pretzels, tortilla chips, breadsticks, veggies, fruits |
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What You'll Learn
Beer cheese dip with soft pretzels
Beer cheese dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be served with a variety of dippers, including soft pretzels. The dip is made with a mix of melted sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, butter, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, milk, and of course, beer. The key to a good beer cheese dip is to create a roux base by melting the butter and flour together, before slowly whisking in the milk and then the beer. The beer you use will greatly impact the flavour of the dip, so choose something with a deep flavour like a German-style beer or a local lager for a more robust dip, or a pale ale or wheat beer for something more mellow. Avoid fruity beers as these can negatively impact the flavour.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Beer
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Nutty Gruyère Cheese
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Salt
Method
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk until a thick paste forms.
- Slowly whisk in the milk.
- Whisk in the beer until the mixture thickens.
- Add the garlic powder and onion powder.
- Reduce the heat and slowly add the cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with soft pretzels, tortilla chips, or veggies for dipping.
Tips
- Keep the dip warm in a fondue pot or slow cooker to prevent it from thickening and coagulating.
- If the dip becomes too thick, whisk in a little warm milk to thin it out.
- If you want it slightly tangier, add about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
- For ultra creaminess, replace the yellow cheddar with Velveeta cheese.
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Beer cheese dip with tortilla chips
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Beer
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whisk until the flour is completely absorbed, about 30 seconds.
- While whisking constantly, slowly pour in milk and beer.
- Continue cooking over medium heat, adding in mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
- Turn off the heat and add the cheddar and Gruyere cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Tips
- The type of beer you use will affect the flavour of the dip. A darker beer will result in a more bitter flavour, while a lighter beer will produce a more mellow flavour.
- For a non-alcoholic version, you can use non-alcoholic beer or replace the beer with my Spicy Nacho Cheese Sauce.
- To reheat, stir the dip and heat over low heat on the stove, adding a little milk if needed.
- The dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Beer cheese dip with veggies
Beer cheese dip is an easy-to-make appetizer that's perfect for game day or any time you're craving a cheesy snack. The dip is made with a mix of melted sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère, your preferred beer, and a variety of spices. It's creamy, salty, and packed with flavour. While soft pretzels are a popular choice for dunking into beer cheese dip, there are endless options for dippers, including veggies.
Choosing the Right Beer
The type of beer you choose will impact the flavour of the dip. A German-style beer or a local lager is recommended for a robust flavour. If you prefer a more mellow flavour, go for a pale ale or wheat beer. Avoid fruity beers like orange or berry-flavoured varieties as they may not complement the cheese as well. Ultimately, you can use your favourite beer—the dip will taste like the beer you use!
Preparing the Dip
The dip typically involves creating a roux with melted butter and flour, then slowly whisking in the beer and milk. The cheese is then added and whisked until melted and smooth. It's important to shred your own cheese to ensure a smooth texture. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard for extra flavour.
Veggie Dippers
Now, for the veggies! There are plenty of options to choose from:
- Celery sticks
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower florets
- Carrots
- Zucchini rounds
- Bell pepper strips
- Whole (cooked) baby red potatoes
Simply cut your chosen veggies into dip-able sizes, and you're ready to enjoy a delicious and flavourful snack!
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Beer cheese mashed potatoes
Beer cheese is a popular dip that is often served with soft pretzels, tortilla chips, breadsticks, and crunchy veggies. It can also be used as a topping for mashed potatoes, giving them a unique and indulgent flavour. Here is a recipe for beer cheese mashed potatoes:
Ingredients
- Starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon gold
- Beer (lager, ale, or IPA)
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Heavy cream or whole milk
- Cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Sour cream (optional)
- Chives (optional)
Method
- Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into uniform pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are soft, about 16 to 18 minutes.
- While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Slowly add the beer and milk to the flour mixture, continuing to whisk. Keep whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted. Add the garlic powder, paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the boiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes and then add the cheese sauce, stirring until fully incorporated.
- For extra creaminess, add a few knobs of butter and some sour cream, folding them into the potatoes.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives.
The beer cheese mashed potatoes are now ready to be served. This unique side dish is perfect for a hearty meal and offers a delightful blend of flavours. Enjoy!
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Beer cheese grilled cheese
A classic comfort food with a twist, Beer Cheese Grilled Cheese is a delicious and unique take on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. This indulgent treat is perfect for a chilly day, a game day snack, or simply a fun and tasty lunch. So, what goes into making this mouthwatering sandwich?
Start with a good quality beer cheese. You can make your own by simmering beer, garlic, and cheese, and thickening it with a roux, or you can buy it ready-made. A good beer cheese will have a sharp, tangy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. When it comes to bread, a sturdy, thick-cut option is best; a rustic sourdough or a thick-sliced rye bread will hold up well to the weight of the filling and provide a nice contrast in texture. Butter the bread generously, this will ensure a golden, crispy exterior and help the sandwich hold together.
Now, the fun part—assembling the grilled cheese! Spread a generous amount of beer cheese on one slice of bread, ensuring it goes right to the edges. Top with a handful of shredded cheese of your choice—a sharp cheddar, gouda, or a blend will work well. If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Place another slice of bread on top, and spread more beer cheese on this slice, too. This double dose of cheese ensures an extra gooey, cheesy sandwich.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and place the sandwich carefully inside. Cook until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. This should take around 3-4 minutes per side. If your sandwich is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Once cooked, remove from the pan and allow to cool slightly before digging in! This grilled cheese is best served warm, with a side of crispy, salty fries or a refreshing salad.
For an extra indulgent treat, dip your grilled cheese in a cup of warm, creamy tomato soup. The combination of the tangy, cheesy sandwich with the sweet, savory soup is a classic for a reason! So, the next time you're craving comfort food with a twist, why not try a Beer Cheese Grilled Cheese? It's a simple yet delicious way to elevate a classic.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer cheese is a great dip for soft pretzels, tortilla chips, breadsticks, crostini, and even crunchy veggies like celery sticks, broccoli florets, carrots, and bell pepper strips.
You can use a variety of cheeses for beer cheese, including sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, American, Gruyère, and mozzarella.
The type of beer you use will depend on your taste preferences. For a stronger beer flavor, use a darker beer, and for a lighter beer flavor, use a lighter beer. Popular options include German-style beers, local lagers, IPAs, and amber ales.
To make beer cheese, start by making a roux with melted butter and flour, then whisk in beer and milk. Finally, add in your shredded cheese of choice and stir until melted and smooth.
