Ultimate Beer Cheese Dip (Print-Friendly Version)

Smooth, tangy cheddar and beer blend with savory seasonings for an irresistibly rich, dippable appetizer.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 225 grams cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 - 60 grams sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
03 - 120 milliliters light lager or pale ale beer
04 - 15 milliliters Dijon mustard
05 - 15 milliliters Worcestershire sauce
06 - 5 milliliters garlic powder
07 - 2.5 milliliters onion powder
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes (optional)

10 - Fresh parsley, finely chopped
11 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese
12 - Paprika

# How to Prepare:

01 - Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior, or soften briefly in the microwave. Shred the cheddar cheese fresh for optimal melt. Pour beer and let sit to reduce excess carbonation.
02 - Combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and beer in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, whisking or stirring regularly until cheeses melt and mixture becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
03 - Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until fully integrated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
04 - Lower heat and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes. Evaluate texture; it should be creamy and pourable. Add additional beer if excessively thick or simmer longer if too thin.
05 - Transfer dip to a warm serving dish or bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra shredded cheddar, or a pinch of paprika as desired. Serve immediately with preferred dippers.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Room temperature cheese ensures the dip emulsifies smoothly and prevents lumps.
02 - Gradually adding beer helps control thickness; reheat gently and whisk constantly if making ahead.
03 - Serve the dip warm for optimal flavor and texture; a slow cooker set to 'warm' aids extended serving.
04 - Recommended accompaniments include soft pretzels, tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, and crusty bread.
05 - For bold flavor variations, try additions such as cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or incorporate crispy bacon.
06 - Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beer if needed.