Beer Cheese's Perfect Pairings: From Snacks To Meals

Beer cheese is a popular snack food that combines sharp cheddar cheese, beer, garlic, and pepper. The result is a creamy, cheesy dip or spread that is perfect for dipping pretzels, crackers, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for burgers, nachos, and pizza.

- Pretzels

- Vegetables (celery, carrots, bell peppers)

- Grilled or roasted meats (chicken wings, ribs, steak)

- Bread (sourdough, gluten-free, baguette slices)

- Tortilla chips

- Fruits (sliced green apples, pears, grapes)

- Sloppy Joes

- Tostadas

- Chicken meatballs

- Buffalo chicken pizza

- Potato skins

- Mini sausages

Breads: pretzels, tortilla chips, gluten-free bread, baguette slices, sourdough

Beer cheese is a popular snack that can be served as a dip or spread. It is made by melting sharp cheddar cheese, beer, garlic, and pepper together. The beer used can vary depending on your taste preferences and the desired flavour profile. For example, IPAs will add a bright and floral note, while stouts will produce a deeper, bitter flavour.

When it comes to bread, there are several options that pair well with beer cheese:

Pretzels

Pretzels are a classic pairing with beer cheese. The salty, crunchy pretzels complement the creamy cheese perfectly. Whether you opt for soft pretzel bites or pretzel sticks, this combination is a match made in snack heaven.

Tortilla Chips

If you're looking for a heartier option, tortilla chips are a great choice. They provide a crunchy and flavorful contrast to the creamy beer cheese dip. Warm up the tortilla chips in the oven before serving for an extra touch of warmth and texture.

Gluten-Free Bread

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free bread is a suitable option to enjoy with beer cheese. Whether toasted or soft, it provides a vehicle for the dip and complements its flavours.

Baguette Slices

Baguette slices, especially when slightly toasted, offer a similar crunch and texture to pretzels, making them an excellent choice for dipping into beer cheese.

Sourdough

A crusty loaf of sourdough is the perfect accompaniment to beer cheese. Its slight tanginess and chewy texture go well with the creamy and tangy cheese dip.

Vegetables: carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini

Beer cheese is a versatile dip that goes well with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini. Here are some ideas and suggestions for serving beer cheese with these vegetables:

Carrots

Carrot sticks are a great option for dipping into beer cheese. The crisp and crunchy texture of carrots pairs well with the creamy and tangy beer cheese dip. You can serve whole carrots or cut them into sticks or rounds for easier dipping. The sweetness of carrots also complements the savoury and slightly bitter notes of the beer cheese.

Celery

Celery sticks, often referred to as "ants on a log" when paired with cream cheese, also make an excellent vessel for beer cheese dip. The crispness and mild flavour of celery allow the beer cheese to shine. Cut celery stalks into manageable sizes for dipping, and consider pairing them with other raw vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for a colourful and nutritious snack platter.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, with their vibrant colours and sweet flavour, are a delightful addition to any dish or snack platter. When paired with beer cheese, they add a refreshing and crunchy element. You can cut them into strips or chunks and serve them alongside the dip. Red, yellow, and green bell peppers all work well, providing a contrast of colours on your platter.

Broccoli

Broccoli florets are another healthy and tasty option to dip into beer cheese. Their small tree-like shape makes them perfect for scooping up a generous amount of the dip. You can blanch or steam the broccoli florets to soften them slightly, or serve them raw for an extra crunch. Broccoli's mild flavour won't overpower the beer cheese, making it a delightful pairing.

Zucchini

Zucchini rounds or slices are an excellent choice for dipping into beer cheese. Their mild flavour and tender texture make them a versatile addition to any snack spread. You can serve zucchini raw or lightly grilled, providing a slightly charred flavour that complements the beer cheese.

When serving beer cheese with vegetables, consider arranging them on a platter or in separate bowls. This allows your guests to enjoy a variety of flavours and textures. Additionally, you can provide different types of dippers, such as pretzels, crackers, or bread, to accompany the vegetables and beer cheese.

Meats: grilled chicken, bacon, bratwurst, sliders, steak

Beer cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various meats, including grilled chicken, bacon, bratwurst, sliders, and steak. Here are some ways to incorporate these meats into your beer cheese experience:

Grilled Chicken

Beer cheese can be a delicious addition to grilled chicken dishes. Try spreading some beer cheese on top of your grilled chicken breast or thigh to add a creamy and tangy dimension to the dish. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings or chicken meatballs. The sharpness of the cheese and the tanginess of the beer will complement the juicy, grilled chicken perfectly.

Bacon

Bacon and beer cheese is a match made in heaven. You can add crispy bacon bits to your beer cheese dip, or use beer cheese as a topping for your bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. For a heartier meal, try making a bacon beer cheese soup or incorporating bacon into your beer cheese mac and cheese. The smokiness of the bacon will enhance the flavour of the beer cheese.

Bratwurst

Bratwurst and beer are a classic combination, but adding beer cheese takes this pairing to the next level. Boil your bratwurst in beer and top it with a generous helping of beer cheese sauce. You can also grill the bratwurst to add a nice char before smothering it with the cheese sauce. Don't forget to serve it on a crusty bun to soak up all that delicious cheese!

Sliders

Beer cheese can take your sliders from good to extraordinary. Use beer cheese as a spread on your slider buns, or drizzle it over the patties for a juicy, messy treat. Since the beer cheese already has a lot of flavour, you won't need to add too many other condiments. Just grab a stack of napkins and dig in!

Steak

For a hearty and indulgent meal, pair your steak with some beer cheese on the side. Dip your steak bites into the creamy, cheesy sauce for an explosion of flavour. You can also use beer cheese as a topping for steak sandwiches or melt it over a steak salad. The sharpness of the cheese will cut through the richness of the steak, creating a delicious contrast of flavours and textures.

Fruits: apples, pears, grapes

Beer cheese is a popular snack food that combines sharp cheddar cheese, beer, garlic, and pepper. It is a creamy, cheesy dip or spread that is perfect for dipping pretzels, crackers, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for burgers, nachos, and pizza.

When it comes to fruit pairings, apples, pears, and grapes are excellent choices to serve with beer cheese. Here are some tips and suggestions for incorporating these fruits into your beer cheese experience:

Apples

Apple slices are a refreshing and healthy option to pair with beer cheese. The crisp texture of the apple provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy dip. For the best experience, choose firm and tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Core and slice the apples into wedges or thin slices, ensuring they are not too thick for easy dipping. You can also sprinkle the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Pears

Pears offer a sweet and juicy contrast to the tangy beer cheese dip. Select ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, for the best texture and flavour. As with apples, slice the pears into wedges or thin slices, removing the core and seeds. Pears tend to brown quickly, so a quick dip in acidic water (lemon juice or vinegar diluted in water) before serving can help maintain their colour.

Grapes

Grapes provide a refreshing and convenient option for dipping into beer cheese. Look for firm and sweet varieties such as Crimson or Thompson Green grapes. Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove them from the stem. You can offer them as individual grapes or thread them onto small skewers for easier handling. Grapes add a touch of elegance to your beer cheese presentation.

Presentation Ideas

When serving beer cheese with fruit, consider the following presentation ideas:

• Create a charcuterie-style board with the fruits, beer cheese, crackers, and other complementary items such as nuts or honey.
• Arrange the fruits on a platter surrounding a bowl of beer cheese, creating a visually appealing and colourful display. - For a more informal setting, place the beer cheese in individual serving cups or shot glasses, providing each person with their own portion for dipping.

Remember to keep the beer cheese warm, as it is best served melted and creamy. Enjoy experimenting with different types of cheeses, beers, and fruit combinations to find your favourite pairings!

Other: jalapeno poppers, tortilla chips, crackers, mac and cheese, eggs benedict

Beer Cheese and...

Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a great pairing with beer cheese. The creamy, spicy poppers are wrapped in crispy bacon and stuffed with a rich cream cheese-Cheddar mixture. The saltiness and crunch of the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers go well with the smoothness of the beer cheese.

Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a versatile snack that can be paired with various dips and salsas. While they are often served with guacamole, they can also be paired with beer cheese for a tasty snack. The crispiness of the tortilla chips will complement the creaminess of the beer cheese.

Crackers

Crackers are a classic pairing with cheese, and beer cheese is no exception. When choosing crackers to pair with beer cheese, consider thin, crispy options such as 34 Degrees Gluten-Free Crisps or wafer crackers from Olina's Bakehouse. These crackers will add a bit of crunch without overwhelming the flavour of the beer cheese. Other options include heartier crackers such as Brewer's Crackers or Potter's Crackers, which have a big crunch and pair well with soft and semi-soft cheeses.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be elevated by adding beer cheese. The extra cheesiness of the beer cheese will make the mac and cheese even more indulgent and satisfying. This pairing is perfect for those seeking an ultimate comfort food experience.

Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is a popular breakfast dish that consists of a toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. The richness of the hollandaise sauce and the savouriness of the Canadian bacon make Eggs Benedict a decadent pairing with beer cheese. The beer cheese can be used as a spread on the English muffin or as a dipping sauce for the dish.

Frequently asked questions