Beer Cheese Dip
This Beer Cheese Dip is always a go-to for a quick and easy appetizer that's ready in just 25 minutes. It's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for game days or casual get-togethers.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beer cheese dip, beer cheese dip for pretzels, stovetop beer cheese dip
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 115kcal
Author: Sara Nelson
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup milk plus more depending on preferences
- ½ cup light beer plus more depending on preferences
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- A pinch of cayenne pepper adjust based on heat preferences
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup shredded gouda cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh chives finely chopped
Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Make Roux: Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until you have a light golden roux.
Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in milk and beer, ensuring that there are no lumps. Keep stirring until mixture begins to thicken and comes to a gentle simmer.
Add Seasonings: Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let mixture simmer for a couple of minutes.
Add Cheese: Reduce stovetop heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the dip is too thick, add a little more milk or beer. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Remove saucepan from heat. Transfer dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh chives for garnish. (If the dip starts to thicken as it cools, reheat it gently while stirring, and add a splash of milk if necessary. Alternatively, transfer to a small slow cooker and keep on low temp to ensure the dip stays smooth and creamy.)
If Kids Will Be Eating This: If kids will be eating the dip, use nonalcoholic beer (alcohol does not fully cook out).
Shred Your Own Cheese: Shred your own cheese from blocks to ensure it melts smoothly without the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese.
Avoid Boiling: For a smoother dip, avoid bringing the cheese to a boil after it's added, as this can cause the dip to separate or become grainy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir in a bit of milk if needed to smooth it out.
Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 0.1mg