Cheese Dip With A Kick: Beer And Cheese Combo

Beer cheese dip is a popular snack that can be bought pre-made or made at home. It is a combination of butter, flour, mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, milk, beer, and cheese. The type of beer and cheese used can be customised based on preference. The dip is usually served with soft pretzels, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies. It can also be served with baguette slices, crackers, or broccoli and cauliflower florets.

How to make beer cheese dip

Beer cheese dip is an easy-to-make appetizer that's perfect for game day or hosting friends. It's a combination of your favourite beer, a variety of cheeses, and delicious seasonings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dip:

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, flour, milk, beer, and cheese. You can also add seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour.

Melting the Butter and Flour:

Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add an equal amount of flour to the melted butter and whisk it together. This mixture of butter and flour is called a roux and will serve as the base for your dip. Cook this mixture for about a minute.

Adding Milk and Beer:

Now, slowly add milk to the roux, a little at a time, whisking continuously until smooth. You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or any non-dairy milk. Keep whisking until the mixture starts to thicken.

Next, pour in your beer of choice. You can use a dark beer for a deeper, bitter flavour or a light beer for a milder flavour. Even non-alcoholic beers work great! Add the beer slowly, whisking continuously, until everything is well combined.

Adding Seasonings:

At this point, you can add your desired seasonings. A pinch of onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt can enhance the flavour of your dip. Don't forget to add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce for that extra kick!

Melting the Cheese:

Once your mixture is thick and bubbly, it's time to add the cheese. Gradually add shredded cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until it melts. You can use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere, or any other cheese of your choice. Make sure to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.

Serving the Dip:

Your beer cheese dip is now ready to be served! Serve it warm with a variety of dippers like pretzel bites, tortilla chips, veggies (such as celery, carrots, or broccoli) or even soft pretzels. This dip is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also make it ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.

Customisations:

Feel free to customise your beer cheese dip by adding ingredients like minced garlic, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce. You can also make it vegan by substituting dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and using plant-based butter. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the flour with cornstarch.

What kind of beer to use

The type of beer used in beer cheese dip is entirely up to you and your preferences. The beer's flavour will come through in the dip, so it is best to use a beer that you enjoy drinking. A darker beer will result in a more bitter and robust dip, whereas a lighter beer will give a more mellow flavour.

It is best to avoid beers with strong additional flavours, such as peanut butter stout or fruity sours. Beers with an amber colour and wheat flavour, like a wheat beer, German Hefeweizen, or a lager, are good options. IPA beers are not recommended as their super hoppy flavour may override the cheese. Non-alcoholic beers can also be used.

What to serve with beer cheese dip

Beer cheese dip is a versatile snack that can be served with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your beer cheese dip:

Breads and Crackers

• Soft pretzels
• Pretzel bites
• Artisan bread
• Crusty bread
• Baguette
• Dilly cheese bread
• Breadsticks
• Garlic crostini rounds
• Crackers
• Crispy breadsticks

Vegetables

• Celery
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Bell pepper strips
• Whole mushrooms
• Whole (cooked) baby red potatoes

Fruits

• Sliced green apples
• Pears
• Grapes

You can also serve beer cheese dip with other classic appetizers like jalapeno poppers or slow cooker little smokies.

Can beer cheese dip be reheated?

Yes, beer cheese dip can be reheated! If you have leftovers, you can reheat the dip in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each round, or gently warm it over low heat on the stove top. You can also put it in a heatproof dish in the oven on a low heat setting until it's warmed through. If you have a slow cooker, you can keep it warm in there after making it, so you don't have to reheat it.

Best cheeses for beer cheese dip

A good beer cheese dip is a combination of tangy, bold, nutty, and smooth. The best cheeses for beer cheese dip are those that complement the beer's flavour and create a complex blend of flavours and textures.

Sharp Cheddar

A classic, bold, tangy cheese, sharp cheddar is a popular choice for beer cheese dip. Its strong flavour stands up to the beer and creates a robust dip. It melts well and combines with other cheeses to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a nutty, slightly sweet Swiss cheese that adds depth and complexity to the dip. It pairs well with a variety of beers and creates a smooth, creamy texture when melted.

Cream Cheese

For an extra smooth and creamy texture, add some cream cheese to the dip. It provides a tangy flavour and a rich, creamy mouthfeel.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a good melting cheese that can add a stringy, stretchy texture to the dip. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.

Gouda

Gouda is another good melting cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. It pairs well with a variety of beers and adds a smooth, creamy texture to the dip.

Pepper Jack

For those who like a little spice, pepper jack cheese adds a kick to the dip. It has a bold flavour and melts well, creating a smooth and spicy beer cheese dip.

The key to a good beer cheese dip is to use freshly shredded cheese and to choose a beer that complements the cheese. A darker beer will result in a more bitter dip, while a lighter beer will produce a milder flavour.

Frequently asked questions