Best Beer Cheese In Kentucky: Where To Find It

where to get best beer cheese in kentucky

Kentucky Beer Cheese is a signature dish of the state, with fans across the country. It is made with a high-quality cheddar cheese mixed with beer, garlic, and spices. The best beer cheese in Kentucky is a hotly debated topic, with many options to choose from. Some popular options include Kentucky Beer Cheese, Howard's Creek Beer Cheese, and Hall's Beer Cheese. Each of these options has its own unique recipe and history, with some being family-owned businesses that have been around for decades.

Characteristics Values
Brand Kentucky Beer Cheese, Howard's Creek Beer Cheese, Hall's Beer Cheese
Ingredients High-quality cheddar cheese, beer, garlic, spices, cream cheese, butter, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, cayenne pepper, cucumber, onion juice, salt, pepper
Preparation Made in small batches, aged naturally, taste-tested
Serving suggestions Sliced veggies, pretzels, crackers
Storage Refrigerate overnight, store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days

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Hall's Beer Cheese

The spread can be enjoyed in multiple ways, either as a dip with pretzels or crackers, or as a sauce. It can be served cold, but it is recommended to bring it to room temperature to enhance the flavours and achieve the ultimate taste experience. Leaving it out for about 15 minutes before serving is advised.

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Howard's Creek Beer Cheese

Howards Creek Beer Cheese is an award-winning, authentic beer cheese brand from Kentucky. The recipe dates back to the 1930s when it was created by Joe Allman. The brand has been preserving this original "Snappy" Beer Cheese recipe since 1979! The company was rebranded in 2006 and has been winning awards since 2009. The recipe was authenticated by Tim Allman, Joe's son, in 2010.

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Kentucky Beer Cheese small-batch producers

When it comes to Kentucky Beer Cheese, small-batch production is favoured by many to ensure the highest quality and authenticity. Here are some of the small-batch producers of this beloved Kentucky delicacy:

Kentucky Beer Cheese

Kentucky Beer Cheese is a family-owned business with over 35 years of tradition. They make their product in small batches to guarantee the highest quality and consistency. Their focus is on the details—taste, quality, and consistency. They use only high-quality cheddar cheese, mixed with carefully selected beer, garlic, and spices. No fillers, mayonnaise, or lower-quality cheese products are added. They choose beer based on its strength, colour, flavours, aromas, and other qualities, opting for brews made with imported Irish malt, a hint of wheat malt, and a low amount of hops for a smooth, rich taste.

Howard's Creek Beer Cheese

Howard's Creek Beer Cheese is another small-batch producer, preserving the authentic "Snappy" Beer Cheese recipe from Joe Allman's 1930s creation. They have been making this award-winning cheese since 2009, and it has been authenticated by Tim Allman, Joe's son. They use real sharp cheddar cheeses, just like Joe Allman did in the 1930s, resulting in a creamy, spicy flavour. Their cheese has a 4-month best-buy date, is shipped frozen, and can be refrozen.

Kentucky Beer Cheese enthusiasts praise the small-batch producers for their superior quality and taste, with some even getting the product shipped over 300 miles to enjoy the authentic Kentucky delicacy.

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Beer cheese with veggies and crackers

Beer cheese is a creamy, cheesy dip made from beer, cheese (traditionally sharp cheddar cheese), and spices. It is classically served with soft pretzels or saltine crackers, but it is also delicious with veggies and other crackers.

To make beer cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Beer
  • Mustard
  • Garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Cayenne (optional)
  • Cheese (traditionally sharp cheddar cheese)

First, measure out the ingredients. In a medium pan over medium heat, add butter and let it melt. Then, add flour and whisk until combined. Slowly add milk, whisking while adding. Next, add beer, whisking as you pour it in. Add mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne (if using), and whisk to combine. Continue heating the mixture over medium heat while whisking, until it is hot but not bubbling (about 3-5 minutes). Do not overheat. When hot, whisk in the cheese, mixing over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in salt if desired, and serve. The beer cheese will thicken as it cools.

For the cheese, it is best to grate your own sharp cheddar cheese as pre-grated cheese does not melt as well. As for the beer, the kind you use will change the flavour of the beer cheese. For example, IPAs are strong and hoppy, yielding bitter undertones and bold flavour. German-style beer or local lager will give the dip a more robust taste, while pale ales or wheat beers will add a more mellow flavour. You can also use non-alcoholic beer if you prefer.

Beer cheese can be served warm as a dip, or chilled as a spread. It can be served with a variety of foods, including veggies such as celery, broccoli, and cauliflower, as well as crackers, pretzels, bread, or pitas.

If you are looking to buy beer cheese instead of making it, Kentucky Beer Cheese is a family-owned business that makes its product in small batches to ensure high quality. Their focus is on taste, quality, and consistency, and they use high-quality cheddar cheese mixed with beer, garlic, and spices. Howard's Creek Authentic Beer Cheese is another option, using Joe Allman's 1930s recipe that includes real sharp cheddar cheeses.

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Joe Allman's 1930s recipe

The "Snappy" beer cheese recipe was preserved and protected by the family of Kathy Gorman Archer, who made the recipe for over 30 years. In 1979, the Archers shared the recipe with the family behind Howard's Creek, who have produced the authentic "Snappy" beer cheese since. The recipe was rebranded in 2006 and has won awards throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. In 2010, it was endorsed by Tim Allman, Joe Allman's son, who confirmed its authenticity.

Howard's Creek has expanded upon Joe Allman's original recipe, offering variations such as BOLD Beer Cheese, made with a sharper cheddar, as well as Smoked Beer Cheese and Chocolate Beer Cheese. All of their beer cheeses use real sharp cheddar cheeses, just like Joe Allman's original recipe, resulting in a creamy, spicy flavour. The company prioritises quality and uses only taste-tested, quality-brewed beer with imported Irish malt, a pinch of wheat malt, and a low amount of hops for a smooth, rich taste that complements the cheese.

Howard's Creek Beer Cheese is shipped frozen and can be refrozen before or after opening as long as it is frozen before the best-by date. The product has a four-month refrigerated best-buy date. It is certified by the REAL Seal Dairy Association and is lab-tested and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

There are several options for finding the best beer cheese in Kentucky. You can either make it at home using the many available recipes, such as the one from Food.com, or you can purchase it from companies such as Kentucky Beer Cheese, Howard's Creek Beer Cheese, or Hall's Beer Cheese.

Kentucky Beer Cheese is made with a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese, mixed with beer, garlic, and spices. Some recipes also include cream cheese, butter, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper.

Kentucky Beer Cheese is typically served at room temperature with sliced vegetables, pretzels, or crackers for dipping. It can also be used as a complimentary snack or in your favourite recipes.

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