Fitness / September 15, 2024

Beer Cheese Sauce

“This Beer Cheese Sauce is the perfect dip for game days, parties, and just because!

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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! I enjoy creating fun, clever snacks and bringing them to life on Sunday’s games. My Grape Jelly Meatballs and Elote Dip have been hits in seasons past, but I’m ready to up my game (pun intended) this year with a secret weapon: beer cheese.

Yup, you heard me. I combine my guy’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 say so myself.

“But what do you eat beer cheese with?” you might ask. Oh, let me just introduce you to the starting lineup! My 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 taste that all ages can enjoy.

Is Beer Cheese Sauce Healthy?

Now, this beer cheese is decadent for a reason. It has more calories and fat than other recipes here at FFF and is loaded with dairy. It’s safe to say that it may not be best suited for everyone’s diet. Still, I couldn’t resist sharing this delicious recipe before kickoff. Enjoy it in moderation!

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.

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

Combine butter and flour; cook to form a roux.

Mix

Gradually add milk and beer; cook until thick.

Combine

Add seasonings and cheese; stir until smooth.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

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.

DOES BEER CHEESE CONTAIN ALCOHOL?

Yes, beer cheese does use actual beer, but a large percentage of the alcohol will cook out in the process. What’s left will not be enough to get anyone “drunk,” so beer cheese is a safe snack for everyone at the party to enjoy!

CAN BEER CHEESE BE MADE VEGAN?

While this recipe is heavy on dairy, you can modify it to fit a vegan diet using common vegan substitutes. Just so you know, the consistency of the dish may be affected.

Serving Suggestions

Beer Cheese pairs well with a smorgasbord of snacks, including artisan breads, soft pretzels or pretzel sticks, pita chips, tortilla chips, and crackers. You can also dip your favorite raw veggies in the sauce, like carrots, celery, blanched 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!

Beer Cheese Sauce

This Beer Cheese is the perfect snack for pre-games, post-games, and all the inbetweens of the season!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 231kcal

Author Britany Saare

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.