Description
Creamy beer cheese dip blends Wisconsin cheddar with hoppy craft beer for an irresistible appetizer. Tangy and rich flavors complement game day snacks and party gatherings with ease.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup (180 ml) beer (lager, pilsner, or ale)
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, establishing a rich golden base for the dip.
- Seasoning Blend: Whisk dry seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, onion powder) into the melted butter, creating an aromatic roux that infuses deep flavor into the liquid.
- Liquid Integration: Gradually pour milk and beer into the pan, stirring consistently to develop a smooth, well-blended mixture without lumps, then incorporate Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce for a complex flavor profile.
- Cheese Transformation: Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring meticulously until the cheese melts completely and forms a velvety, uniform sauce that elegantly coats the back of a spoon.
- Flavor Refinement: Carefully adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure a perfectly balanced and harmonious flavor.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer the hot, creamy beer cheese dip to a serving dish, accompanied by an enticing selection of dipping companions such as soft pretzels, crisp chips, rustic bread cubes, and fresh, crunchy vegetables.
Notes
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture without graininess.
- Beer Selection Matters: Choose a medium-bodied beer like pale ale or lager for balanced flavor; avoid bitter or very dark beers that could overpower the cheese.
- Temperature Control: Maintain low heat when adding cheese to prevent breaking or separating, which can create an oily, unappetizing consistency.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular beer with gluten-free beer and use cornstarch instead of traditional flour-based roux for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg