Beer Cheese Dip
Emma
This irresistible dip brings together sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and the malty goodness of beer for a comforting, pub-style appetizer you can whip up in minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 261 kcal
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces beer (lager or ale works best—avoid overly bitter or dark beers unless you want a strong beer flavor)
- ¼ cup whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
Sauce Preparation
Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Melt ¼ cup of salted butter, then gradually whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking constantly for about 1 minute—this step removes the raw flour taste and forms a smooth, golden roux that will help thicken your dip.
Once your roux is ready, slowly pour in 12 ounces of beer, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add ¼ cup of whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream and continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken and bubble gently, about 5–7 minutes.
Once the base is thick and smooth, reduce the heat to very low. Gradually add the cheeses—8 oz of sharp cheddar and 4 oz of Gruyere or Swiss—a handful at a time. Whisk constantly after each addition until the cheese fully melts and blends into the sauce.