Make this easy beer cheese dip on the stovetop in under 15 minutes. This creamy, savory sauce uses sharp cheddar and beer, making it the ultimate game day appetizer for soft pretzels.
Author:cookingbycarla
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:15 min
Yield:About 2 cups1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
1/2 cup beer (lager or pale ale recommended)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly add the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more.
Stir in the beer, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce is uniform and creamy.
Keep the beer cheese warm over very low heat while serving.
Serve immediately with soft pretzels, chips, or vegetables.
Notes
Grate your cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains starches that prevent smooth melting.
For a richer flavor, use a slightly darker beer like a brown ale, but keep the amount the same.
If the dip becomes too thick while sitting, stir in a splash more milk or beer to reach your desired consistency.