Beer and cheese are a natural pairing when enjoyed together. So why not try blending the two into this incredible beer cheese dip?
Rather than store-bought crackers, why use this Classic Homemade Nuts and Bolts Recipe to serve alongside your beer cheese dip? Or learn How to Make Homemade Pita Chips!
Beer Cheese Dip
Beer cheese dip is the ultimate comfort appetizer. Combining beer and cheese, nothing conjures up images of sitting by a crackling fire while it snows outside more than this dip.
Why not bring a little warmth to your holiday parties this winter by making your own beer cheese dip for guests to enjoy?
What Type Of Beer Should You Use?
There are no real rules when it comes to the type of beer you should use when making beer cheese dip.
If you happen to have a beer in the house that you are happy to miss out on drinking, go ahead and use that in your dip. Just be sure not to use any gimmicky beers, such as pastry stouts or crazy flavors, as they will hugely influence the taste of the dip.
If you are buying a beer specifically for this recipe, there are a few options you should keep a look out for.
- Lager
Lager works well in most recipes thanks to its crisp, clean-tasting profile. Lager typically has a higher carbonation level than other beers while also not being as bitter, which is exactly what you want when making a beer cheese dip.
- Pilsner
A pilsner is another type of beer that works well in beer cheese dip. Lager and pilsner beers share many of the same features. The main difference between the two is that a pilsner has a more noticeable hop flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Beer
You might want to consider using a non-alcohol beer, especially if you are making this dip for a party and some of your guests don’t drink. Typically non-alcohol beers stick to a stereotypical beer profile, so almost any should work.
If you can’t find one of these options, try to go with a beer that does not have too intense of a flavor and that you can picture enjoying as a drink alongside this dip.
Do You Have To Use Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese is the most traditional cheese used in beer cheese dip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try using different types.
Cheddar can vary quite drastically in its flavor depending on whether you choose an aged option with a sharpness to it or a younger and much milder cheese. The varying nature of cheddar means that there is room for experimentation when looking for an alternative cheese to use in your dip.
If you prefer milder cheese, you could try things like American cheese, Swiss cheese, or Colby cheese. Alternatively, if you like strong, sharp cheeses, consider other options such as blue cheese, parmesan cheese, and Swiss cheese.
How To Serve Your Beer Cheese Dip
Beer cheese dip is a party favorite, especially in the colder winter months. The warming nature of beer cheese dip is a must-have item on your menu this holiday season.
Presentation is everything at parties, so you will want to consider the best way to serve your dip.
If you plan to throw a large party with a buffet table full of snacks and treats, why not make a giant bowl of dip and make it a table feature? Offer guests different options for them to pair with the dip.
Pita Chips
Pita chips, either store-bought or homemade, are always a good pick. They act as a handy scoop for the dip and provide a satisfying crunch. You could also serve bread sticks, potato chips, and a bowl of carrot and celery sticks for a healthy option.
You could transform your beer cheese dip into a starter for sit-down meal-style parties. Place a small amount of dip in a small dish and place this on the center of a plate, then surround this with different types of bread that your guests can easily use for dipping and scooping.
Looking for more delicious Salsa, Guacamole, and Dips recipes that use cheese? Try these out:
• White Bean Ranch, Bacon & Cheddar Dip
• Rotel Dip, The BEST Velvet Cheese Dip
Happy Cooking
Love,
Karlynn
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Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- Two 8 oz cream cheese (softened or room temperature)
- One 1 oz dry ranch salad dressing mix (or dry dip mix)
- 2 cups old cheddar cheese (finely grated)
- ½ cup beer or as needed
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon Paprika (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the cream cheese with the ranch dressing mix until thoroughly combined.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese.
- Mix in your choice of beer, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency (add a little more for a thinner dip).
- Stir in the seasoned salt and cayenne pepper. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour. Overnight is best for the most flavor.
- If you want to serve this dip warm, simply whisk constantly in a small saucepan over low heat, or microwave on high in 1 minute intervals, stirring after every minute, until the cheese dip is warm, smooth and heated through.
- Grate some fresh cheddar, dice up some parsley and sprinkle on top before serving with fresh baked pretzels, crackers, hard pretzels, or even fresh veggies!
Mary says
Very good but does not need added salt.