This Beer Cheese Sauce is the perfect dip for game days, parties, and just because!
Football season is officially upon us, and as a super fan myself, I am so ready for game days. My boyfriend and I love hosting throughout the season, and coming up with a menu of fun snacks for the Sunday night game is one of my favorite pastimes. I’ve made grape jelly meatballs and elote dip that have been huge hits in the past, but this season, I’m ready to up my game (pun intended). I have a secret weapon: beer cheese.
Yup, you heard me. I combine my boyfriend’s favorite things—beer and cheese—to create the ultimate ooey, gooey, divine dipping sauce. I think it will be a total touchdown, if I do say so myself.
“But what do you eat beer cheese with?” you might ask. Oh, let me just introduce you to the starting lineup! This beer cheese is an all-star sauce for pretzels, tortilla chips, baguette slices, veggie platters, and more. Seriously, what doesn’t cheese taste good with?
If you’ve never tried beer cheese, it has a pretty distinct taste (in the best way!). It’s sharp, robust, and decadent, with a rich, melted cheese texture you’ll love dipping your snacks in. And while it’s made with real beer, the alcohol provides a subtle flavor that anyone can enjoy.
Is This Beer Cheese Sauce Healthy?
Beer cheese sauce is definitely more of a splurge, so enjoy it as part of a fun or special occasion. The butter, flour, milk, beer, and cheese add plenty of fat, carbs, and calories—all the stuff that’s good for the soul when it comes to comfort food, but is not necessarily nutritious.
I’m a firm believer in the “all things in moderation” mantra when it comes to food, however. So, as long as it doesn’t conflict too much with your dietary restrictions, live a little and dig in!
Why Add Beer?
If you’re not familiar with this pub favorite, you may be wondering why anyone would have the idea to add beer to a cheese dip. Well, first of all, because beer cheese is made for fun and sporty events like football watch parties! But honestly, adding beer to the recipe creates a smooth texture, cuts through the richness of the cheese, improves mouthfeel, and enhances the flavor.
Also, it’s worth noting that the kind of beer you use will affect the flavor of your sauce. While this recipe calls for a lager, you can modify it with an IPA, stout, or pale ale. Lighter beers will give your beer cheese a mellow flavor profile, while hop-heavy beers will stand out more on the palate.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once your beer cheese has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat the sauce, just heat it on low on the stove or in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring regularly.
Serving Suggestions
Beer cheese pairs well with a smorgasbord of snacks, including artisan Flatbread, soft pretzels or pretzel sticks, pita chips, Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips, and Almond Flour Crackers. You can also dip your favorite raw veggies in the sauce, like carrots, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Trust me, whatever you serve your beer cheese with is going to be a hit this football season. It’s not just a dish; it’s a trend that will be the MVP of every party from here on out!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup lager beer
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Gradually pour in the milk and beer, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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