Beer Cheese Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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This garlicky beer cheese recipe is perfectly melty for dipping with soft pretzels, sliced apples or even veggies. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-fuss recipe is decadently creamy and smooth without having to shred your own cheese!

Why You’ll Love This Beer Cheese Recipe

This simple recipe will improve any gathering or game-night!

  • Quick: This easy appetizer is ready in only 15 minutes.
  • Easy: Since we use a jar of refrigerated spreadable sharp cheddar cheese, you don’t have to shred your own cheese. If you can stir ingredients together and use the stove, you can make this easy beer cheese dip recipe!
  • Homemade: Stop serving store-bought cheese dips with loads of salt and strange ingredients. You know exactly what’s in this homemade version and it’s way better!
  • Great for gatherings: Pour it into a slow cooker to keep it warm and melty all night long. Everyone will be dipping away!
  • Versatile: Add sausages, swap the cheese, or add more spices to make this recipe your own!

If you enjoy this robust cheese dip, make sure to also check out my favorite taco beer cheese dip!

Dipping a pretzel into the beer cheese recipe.

What Is Beer Cheese Dip?

Beer cheese, also called beer cheese dip or beer cheese sauce, is a popular, savory American dip. As the name states, the main ingredients are beer and cheese. They’re mixed together and seasoned with garlic, salt and black pepper until nice and melty. The type of beer and cheese used can be changed depending on the flavor profile you’re after.

Homemade soft pretzel, any soft bread, green apples, grapes, carrot sticks, broccoli florets or even tortilla chips are all great for dipping on game day. We also really enjoy drizzling is over cooked vegetables like asparagus and oven roasted potatoes.

Ingredients for beer cheese recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

The secret to an ultra creamy, cheesy and smooth dip is spreadable cheese. For full ingredient amounts and directions, scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Butter
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is best. Don’t use garlic powder as it can make your dip grainy.
  • Cheddar Spreadable Cheese: Found in the refrigerated cheese section in a little tub, with a blue or black lid usually. I prefer Kaukauna brand extra sharp or regular sharp cheddar.
  • Beer: Any medium bodied, or even light beer will work great. I do not recommend using a strong kind of beer, like hoppy ipas, instead try something like an ale or lager. You can also use non-alcoholic beer!
  • Water
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt and Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Dipping a pretzel bite into the beer cheese recipe.

How to Make Beer Cheese

Stir the ingredients until you get a nice cheesy mixture perfect for dipping. That’s it! Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for more detailed instructions.

  • Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water and set aside.
  • Sauté: Add the butter and garlic to a sauce pan and sauté.
  • Combine: Add cheese and beer and break up the cheese and stir until the cheese melts completely.
  • Thicken: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the cheese mixture, mixing until well combined. Continue cooking, stirring often, until dip has thickened.
  • Serve: Add salt and pepper, to taste. Pour it into a bowl and serve immediately.
Tray of pretzels with cheese dip.

Tips and Variations

While I think this beer cheese recipe is perfect as is, here are a few ways to change it up:

  • Spicy: Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when you add the garlic for a kick of heat.
  • Add protein: Cook up some spicy ground sausage or chorizo, drain any excess grease and then mix it into the dip.
  • Swap the cheese: As long as it’s spreadable, you can try this recipe with Gouda, pepper jack, smoky cheddar, bacon cheddar, etc.
  • Add toppings: Cooked and crumbled bacon, fresh pico de dallo, or a scoop of guacamole will add lots of texture or flavor.
  • Keep it warm: To keep it warm for a party, pour the dip it into a crockpot or fondue pot. Keep the heat on LOW and stir it occasionally. You can easily triple this recipe and fit it in a 6 quart crockpot to serve a crowd.

Storage

Once fully cooled, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, add 1 teaspoon of milk and then pop it into the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring often. You can also reheat it in a small pot over medium-low heat, until warmed through.

More Dip Recipes to Try

Landscape photo of beer cheese recipe.
4.6 from 7 votes
Print Pin Recipe
Yield: 8 servings

Beer Cheese Recipe

This buttery beer cheese recipe with garlic and sharp cheddar is the perfect melty appetizer for all your chips, veggies and pretzels. Ready in just 15 minutes and you don't have to shred your own cheese!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. 
  • Add the cheese and pour in the beer. Use a spatula to break up the cheese and continue stirring until it melts completely.
  • Re-whisk the cornstarch and water and then pour it into the cheese mixture and mix well. Cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens. 
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve!

Notes

Storage: Once fully cooled, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, add 1 teaspoon of milk and then pop it into the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring often. You can also reheat it in a small pot over medium-low heat, until warmed through.
Keep it warm: To keep it warm for a party, pour the dip it into a crockpot or fondue pot. Keep the heat on LOW and stir it occasionally. You can easily triple this recipe and fit it in a 6 quart crockpot to serve a crowd.
Cheddar Spreadable Cheese: Found in the refrigerated cheese section in a little tub, with a blue or black lid usually. I prefer Kaukauna brand extra sharp or regular sharp cheddar.
Beer: Any medium bodied, or even light beer will work great. I do not recommend using a strong kind of beer, like hoppy ipas, instead try something like an ale or lager. You can also use non-alcoholic beer!
Nutritional Note: Nutrition facts are only estimates. Please be sure to calculate your own nutrition facts with the brands you choose to use for precise measurements.

Nutrition

Serving: 8, Calories: 143kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 4.1g, Fat: 8.9g, Saturated Fat: 5.8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 2.1g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 38mg, Potassium: 14mg, Fiber: 1.03g, Sugar: 4.1g, Vitamin A: 88IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.03mg

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Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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Jessica
For the past 15 years, Jorge & Jessica have loved getting to share their families' favorite recipes with all of you. They live in Florida with their 3 kids.