Craft Beer Cheese Dip

With only 7 ingredients, this easy Craft Beer Cheese recipe is game day essential that you will want to slather on everything!

Beer Cheese for the win!

Tailgating Party food is my specialty. I love game days and all the fanfare that surrounds it. And what goes better with football than beer, snacks and cheese dip? Nothing. Like our famous Buffalo Chicken Dip, this creamy delicious cheese dip is our favorite for a reason. The hoppy beer flavor blends perfectly with the sharp creamy cheddar, and it only takes 20 minutes to whip up!

Drizzle it on Homemade Pretzels, Chicken Sandwiches and tortilla chips with Salsa.

Ingredients

• BUTTER: salted butter or margarine
• FLOUR: AP Flour (All Purpose flour) works best
• GARLIC: fresh garlic cloves, chopped (or use minced garlic in jar)
• DARK PAPRIKA: (or smoked paprika) for that extra pop!
• CREAM CHEESE: essential for the creamy texture (full fat or low fat Neufchâtel cheese works)
• CHEDDAR CHEESE (shredded): we like extra sharp cheddar cheese. Shred your own for best results.
• BEER: we like a craft style IPA beer for that bitter, hoppy punch of flavor

*see recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter. Then add the flour and whisk. Cook for 1 minute.
2. Add Beer: Add bottle of beer and whisk until smooth.
3. Add the Cheese: Add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic and paprika and continue to whisk until all cheese has melted and product is smooth (about 5 minutes).

Top tip

USE IT AS BEER CHEESE SAUCE: There is no milk or heavy cream in the recipe (just cheese) so it is thick and perfect for dipping, not runny! Slather it on burgers or Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

What is the best beer for beer cheese?

The best beer for beer cheese is a nice, hoppy IPA (craft beer style India Pale Ale). It creates a great depth of flavor. You can substitute a lager, pilsner, or even a non-alcoholic beer, but the flavor profile will be a bit more mild.

What is the best cheese to use?

We prefer a sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe. When combined with beer, it really is the best option. For best results, shred it yourself.

Why this recipe works

Sometimes it seems easier to pick up a jar of processed beer cheese at the local market. However, this recipe proves it is worth the time and effort to bypass the store-bought variety and create your own. Its fresh, creamy texture is second to none, and the hoppy IPA flavor really comes through.

Storage

• MAKE AHEAD: you can make this dip ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and heat it up in a sauce pan (or microwave) minutes before you are ready to serve.
• STORE: leftover Beer Cheese Dip can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days.

What to serve with beer cheese:

• SERVE IT: with tortilla chips, guacamole, and homemade Pineapple Salsa for a football style fiesta!
• SLATHER IT: on Burgers on Chicken Sandwiches for more cheesy flavor
• DIP IT: serve it as a dipping sauce for Chicken Wings or Loaded Nachos
• WASH IT DOWN: make a pitcher of Iceberg Margaritas for a beer lovers feast!

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