Bushra Griffith
Pub cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese made with cheese, beer, and spices. It is a traditional bar snack in the United States and is often served with crackers, vegetables, or sandwiches. The addition of beer gives pub cheese a unique flavour, and it can be made with different types of cheese and spices to create a variety of tastes and textures. While it is typically made with beer, it can also be made without alcohol to create a suds-free version.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Cheese, beer, and spices |
| Cheese types | Cheddar, gouda, cream cheese, smoked cheese, Irish cheddar |
| Spices | Horseradish, hot sauce, sriracha, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, jalapenos |
| Other ingredients | Vinegar, wine, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, maple syrup, liquid smoke |
| Consistency | Spreadable, gooey, creamy |
| Serving suggestions | Nachos, pita bread, veggie sticks, crackers, crostini, pretzels, hamburgers, sandwiches, fries |
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What You'll Learn
Pub cheese ingredients
Pub cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese dip that is usually made with cheese and beer or ale. It is a traditional bar snack in the United States and is often served with crackers, vegetables, or bread for dipping. The cheese used in pub cheese can be a mix of processed cheese and pure cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese. The addition of cream cheese helps to make the dip more spreadable.
While beer is a common ingredient in pub cheese, it is not always included, and some recipes may use other liquids or no liquid at all. Leftover beer was traditionally used in pub cheese, and the type of beer can significantly impact the flavour of the final product. A hoppy beer will result in a more bitter spread, while a pale lager will not contribute much flavour. A malty beer with herbal hoppy notes, such as a pilsner or American lager, can add depth of flavour without overwhelming the cheese. A sweet beer, such as a bock, brown ale, porter, or stout, could also be used. If a very bitter beer is used, a small amount of maple syrup can be added to neutralise the bitterness while retaining the herbal notes.
In addition to cheese and beer, pub cheese typically includes a variety of spices and flavourings. Horseradish, dijon mustard, garlic, worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce can all be added to taste, and will give the dip a spicy kick. Other flavourings, such as liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs, can be added to create unique variations, such as an Irish pub cheese made with Irish cheddar and Guinness, or a smoked pub cheese made with smoked cheese and Rauchbier.
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How to make pub cheese
Pub cheese is a gooey, cheesy dip with a special ingredient: beer. It is a traditional bar snack in the United States and can be made with or without alcohol. It is typically served with crackers or vegetables, which may be dipped into the cheese or used as a base for spreading. It is also used as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, fries, or nachos.
To make pub cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cheese (cheddar, gouda, or a mix of processed and pure cheese)
- Beer (a hoppy beer will produce a more bitter spread, while a pale lager won't add much flavour)
- Spices (horseradish, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, etc.)
- Cream cheese (optional, to make the dip more spreadable)
- Combine the cheeses (shredded cheddar, gouda, and/or cream cheese), and any desired spices or flavourings (except for the salt and chives) in a food processor and blend until combined.
- Slowly add the beer while the food processor is running, and blend until smooth.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more beer to reach the desired consistency.
- Transfer the pub cheese to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped chives.
- Store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Note: If using a highly carbonated beer, let the initial foaming subside before measuring it out, as it will be easier to work with. You can also pour the beer into a bowl and whisk it occasionally for 5-10 minutes to remove the carbonation.
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History of pub cheese
Pub cheese, a soft cheese spread or dip, is typically made with cheese, beer, and spices. While it is similar to beer cheese, which always contains beer, pub cheese can be made without alcohol.
The history of pub cheese can be traced back to the concept of using leftover beer at bars to create a cheese spread. This practice is believed to have originated in England and Scotland, with a similar version called Obatzda that has been popular in Bavaria, Germany, for a long time. The predecessor of beer cheese, pub cheese, is said to have evolved into regional variations, such as the one found in Wisconsin, known for its dairy and cheese production.
Pub cheese is a traditional bar snack in the United States, often served with crackers or vegetables for dipping or spreading. It is also used as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, and fries, adding a bold and creamy texture to the meal. The versatility of pub cheese has contributed to its popularity as a game day dip, tailgate snack, or addition to cheese plates.
Over time, pub cheese has become a mass-produced product in the United States, with brands like Président and Trader Joe's offering their own versions. However, many bars, breweries, and restaurants continue to create their own unique recipes, experimenting with different types of cheeses, beers, and spices to impart distinct flavors.
The simplicity of the recipe, which primarily blends cheese and beer, has made it a favorite among those looking for a tasty treat or a "drunk snack." The ability to customize the spread by varying the cheese, beer style, and spices has further contributed to its popularity.
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Pub cheese serving suggestions
Pub cheese is a versatile dip that can be served in many ways. It is a popular game-day and tailgate dip, but it can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or burgers, or as a topping on cheese plates and charcuterie boards.
When serving pub cheese, it is important to consider the consistency. The dip should be smooth and creamy, spreadable, and easy to dunk. If the pub cheese is too thick, it can be thinned out with a bit of beer.
Pub cheese can be served with a variety of dippers and crackers. For a classic bar snack, serve it with pretzels, pita chips, or crackers. For a healthier option, provide carrots, celery, or other vegetable sticks for dipping. If you want to get creative, you can also offer crostini or sliced baguette.
When it comes to cheese, the type of beer used can make a difference. A hoppy beer will result in a more bitter spread, while a pale lager will have a milder flavor. If you want a stronger cheese flavor, go for a beer with less carbonation. Fresh beer tends to taste better in pub cheese, and if your beer is highly carbonated, you can let it sit for a while to reduce the fizz.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with spices and seasonings to create a bold flavor profile. You can add hot sauce, Sriracha, or horseradish for a spicy kick, or keep it mild with garlic, mustard, or onion powder. For a unique twist, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, or even a drop of food coloring for a festive touch.
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Store-bought pub cheese options
Pub cheese is a soft, creamy, and gooey cheese dip or spread that is traditionally made with a combination of cheese and beer. While pub cheese typically includes beer, it can also be made without it. Cheddar and Gouda are commonly used in pub cheese, and cream cheese is added to enhance its spreadability. The addition of spices and seasonings, such as mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder, and hot sauce, further contributes to its bold flavor profile.
When purchasing store-bought pub cheese, several options are available:
- Président Pub Cheese: Président, a dairy brand, offers a pub cheese variety. Their product, President Sharp Cheddar Pub Cheese, uses real cheese instead of "processed cheese food." This option is recommended by food blogger Emily Ackerman for those seeking a healthier store-bought choice.
- Trader Joe's Pub Cheese: Trader Joe's, a popular grocery store chain, has its own store brand of pub cheese. While the specific ingredients may vary, Trader Joe's is known for its unique and flavorful products.
- Other Store Brands: Various other grocery stores and supermarkets may offer their own store brands of pub cheese. These can be found at places like Whole Foods Market, which provides a selection of pub cheese products, although specific availability may vary by location.
- Mass-Produced Brands: As pub cheese is mass-produced in the United States, there are likely to be several branded options available in supermarkets. These may include well-known cheese brands or specialty dip manufacturers.
- Local Establishments: Some bars, breweries, pubs, and restaurants create their own versions of pub cheese. These options may be available for purchase directly from those establishments or through specialty food retailers.
When choosing a store-bought pub cheese, it is important to read the ingredient labels, especially if you have dietary preferences or restrictions. Additionally, consider the flavor profile you desire, as some varieties may be spicier or more mild, depending on the spices and cheeses used.
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Frequently asked questions
Pub cheese is a type of soft cheese spread or dip prepared using cheese as a primary ingredient and usually with some type of beer or ale added.
No, you can make pub cheese without beer for a "suds-free" recipe.
It is recommended to use a beer with a solid malty backbone and herbal hoppy notes, such as a pilsner or lager. Avoid using a beer that is too strong, as it may overpower the flavour of the cheese.
Cheddar and Gouda are frequently used in pub cheese, and the addition of cream cheese helps make it more spreadable. You can also use smoked cheeses or add liquid smoke to impart a smoky flavour.
You can add a variety of spices, seasonings, or condiments to flavour your pub cheese. Popular options include horseradish, hot sauce, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and chives.
