Applebee's Beer Cheese Dip: What's The Secret Ingredient?

Applebee's Beer Cheese Dip is a popular appetizer at the restaurant chain, known for its creamy texture and rich flavour. The dip is made with a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and Asiago, and is infused with Blue Moon Ale, adding a subtle tanginess to the mix. The addition of beer, along with seasonings like garlic and mustard, creates a unique taste profile that has made it a favourite among customers. This versatile dip goes well with a variety of foods, from pretzels and crackers to vegetables, and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

How to make Applebee's beer cheese dip

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of beer (Blue Moon Ale or any other crisp, light-flavored Belgian beer or pale ale)
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 2 cloves of fresh garlic, thinly minced
• 1 teaspoon of dry mustard or 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (a combination of Colby Jack and Sharp White Cheddar, or Gouda and White Cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced bell peppers, bacon, paprika, hot sauce, onion powder, blue cheese, etc.

Kitchen Tools:

• Medium-sized saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Double boiler (optional)

Instructions:

• Gather all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools before starting.
• In the medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the beer, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• In a separate mixing bowl, toss the shredded cheese with the cornstarch until the cheese is evenly coated.
• Gradually add the cheese mixture to the beer mixture, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth and creamy.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the beer cheese dip to a serving bowl.
• Serve warm with pretzels, tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite dippers.

Tips:

• For a thicker dip, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of beer or water, and slowly add it to the cheese sauce.
• To make the dip extra creamy, add butter or milk to the mixture while whisking.
• Get creative with your add-ins! Try different types of cheese, experiment with different beers, or add spices and ingredients like bell peppers, bacon, paprika, or hot sauce to make it spicier.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

The best beers to use for the dip

Applebee's beer cheese dip is made with Blue Moon, a Belgian-style witbier. However, you can use any kind of Belgian beer. Here are some recommended beers to use for the dip:

Blonde Ales

Blonde ales will add a crisp, light flavour to the dip. They are similar to Blue Moon in terms of colour and flavour profile. This is a good option if you want to replicate the taste of Blue Moon without using the same beer.

Dark Ales

Dark ales will give the dip a toasty, malty flavour with a touch of bitterness. This is a good option if you want to add a deeper, richer flavour to the dip.

Pale Ales

Pale ales, such as Blue Moon, are crisp and refreshing, with a hint of citrus. They will add a subtle, tangy flavour to the dip that complements the cheese. This is a good option if you want a lighter, more refreshing dip.

Stouts

Stouts have a robust, roasted flavour that can add depth and complexity to the dip. They pair well with stronger cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or Gruyère. This is a good option if you want a heartier, more indulgent dip.

Indian Pale Ales (IPAs)

IPAs have a strong, hoppy flavour that can stand up to the cheese in the dip. They often have citrus or piney notes that can add a refreshing twist to the dip. This is a good option if you want a more assertive, flavourful dip.

In addition to the type of beer, the quality of the cheese is also important. Look for cheeses with good flavour and meltability, such as American, Emmental, or Gruyère. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn't melt as well.

The best cheeses to use for the dip

While the exact recipe for Applebee's Beer Cheese Dip is not publicly available, I can provide you with some general tips on the best cheeses to use for a beer cheese dip.

The key to a delicious beer cheese dip is the combination of flavours and achieving a smooth, creamy texture. When choosing the best cheeses, look for those with bold, strong flavours that pair well with beer. It is also important to use block cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect the melting process and the final texture of the dip.

Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for beer cheese dip as it has a strong flavour that stands up to the beer. It is often paired with Gruyere, a nutty, slightly sweet cheese that melts well and adds complexity to the dip. Another option is white cheddar, which has a sharp flavour similar to regular cheddar but without the yellow food dye.

If you want to add a little extra tang to your dip, consider using Colby Jack cheese, which is a mild, sweet and tangy cheese that melts well. For a stronger flavour, you could also use blue cheese or smoked gouda.

Finally, it's important to note that while a darker beer will result in a more bitter dip, a lighter beer will produce a milder flavour. So, when choosing your cheese, consider the type of beer you plan to use and select cheeses that will complement the beer's flavour profile.

What to serve with the dip

Applebee's Beer Cheese Dip is a creamy, tangy, and savoury dip with a subtle beer flavour. It is made with a blend of cheddar and Asiago cheeses, or Colby Jack and Sharp White Cheddar, and seasoned with garlic and mustard. The dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods, including:

Carb-based Accompaniments

• Pretzels: soft, warm, or crunchy, pretzels are a classic pairing with beer cheese dip.
• Crackers: simple crackers provide a neutral base to let the dip shine.
• Bread: crusty bread, breadsticks, or garlic knots are great for dipping.
• Tortilla chips: crunchy tortilla chips add a textural contrast to the creamy dip.
• Croutons: these can be used for dipping or added to the dip as a crunchy topping.

Vegetable Accompaniments

• Peppers: bell peppers add a crunchy and slightly sweet element to the dip. Jalapenos or serrano peppers can also be used to add spice.
• Celery: celery sticks provide a refreshing and crisp dipping option.
• Carrots: baby carrots or carrot sticks are a healthy and crunchy option.
• Broccoli: a healthy and crunchy vegetable that can be dipped or topped with the beer cheese sauce.
• Cauliflower: another healthy option that can be served raw or roasted.
• Potatoes: steamed fingerling potatoes or roasted potato wedges are a hearty option for dipping.

Meat Accompaniments

• Bratwurst: sliced, cooked bratwurst adds a savoury and meaty element to the dip.
• Salami: a salty and savoury meat that can be sliced and served alongside the dip.
• Pepperoni: sliced pepperoni adds a spicy and savoury element.
• Steak bites: small pieces of steak provide a hearty and indulgent pairing.
• Sausage links: cooked sausage links can be served whole or sliced, adding a savoury and juicy element.
• Meatballs: a hearty and juicy option that can be served as a side or topped with the beer cheese sauce.

Other Suggestions

• Bacon: crumbled bacon can be added to the dip for extra savouriness and crunch.
• Diced onions: for added flavour and texture.

The dip can also be served in a bread bowl or hollowed-out pumpkin to keep it warm and add a creative presentation.

Variations on the classic recipe

There are many ways to put a spin on the classic Applebee's Beer Cheese Dip recipe. Here are some ideas for variations:

Cheese:

• Smoked gouda
• Blue cheese
• American
• Emmental
• Gruyère
• Mild white cheddar
• Colby jack
• Sharp white cheddar

Beer:

• Stout
• Pale ale
• Belgian beer
• Blonde ale
• Dark ale

Add-ins:

• Diced bell peppers
• Bacon
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Jalapenos
• Cayenne pepper
• Mustard
• Hot sauce
• Onion powder

Dippers:

• Pretzel sticks
• Chips (corn, tortilla, potato)
• Bread
• Vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumber, etc.)

Frequently asked questions