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30-Minute Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

on August 10, 2020
last updated September 2, 2025
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For all my fellow cheese-aholics who also enjoy a good brew, this creamy Beer Cheese Dip combines Cheddar and Monterey Jack with your favorite ale to make the perfect bring-the-brewery-home treat in one pot and less than 30 minutes.
Beer cheese dip served with pretzel bites.

Ready to bring the brewery home? Grab your favorite ale, two blocks of cheese, and a couple of friends and make this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip in less than 30 minutes!

With just one pot and just about thirty minutes, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy, hoppy, dipping delight that’s perfect for game day or any other time you want a shareable dip recipe!

Okay, I know you’re tired of hearing it, but I’ve said it once (okay, way more than once), and I’ll say it again: I. LOVE. CHEESE (see also: this Tex-Mex Queso!). And combining it with a full-bodied ale takes it to the next level.

It’s like eating my favorite drink. Or is it like drinking my favorite food? Basically, what I’m saying is, it’s a beer-loving cheese-aholics dream come true!

And as a busy mom who loves great food, I appreciate the fact that this recipe is quick, easy, foolproof, and flavorful.

Dipping a pretzel bite into creamy beer cheese.

Creamy Beer Cheese Ingredient Highlights


I use unsalted butter because I find the cheddar cheese is salty enough on its own but salted will work in a pinch. I use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese (you can use mild or medium if you prefer) and Monterey jack (Colby Jack works, too).

 I highly recommend buying a block of cheddar and shredding it yourself with a food processor or cheese grater.

Pre-shredded cheese contains extra preservatives to keep the shreds from sticking together, which can sometimes affect the way the cheese melts into a sauce.

As for which beer to use, preferably any ale or lager. Any percentage of dairy milk or any unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milk works.

ingredients for beer cheese dip - flour, paprika, Monterey Jack, butter, garlic powder, scallions, milk, beer, mustard, cheddar, onion powder, cream cheese

Beer Cheese Dip Tips and Tricks


How to Make Cheesy Beer Dip

I like to shred my cheese first so it’s ready to go. Using a food processor with a shredding attachment is easiest!

Then, make a seasoned roux by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat, and adding the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Whisk it together to form your roux, which will set you up for a successful creamy dip!

Then, add the beer and whisk to combine with the seasoned roux. Allow it to simmer over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes so it thickens. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan and burns.

Then, turn the heat all the way down to low and whisk in the cream cheese and mustard. Once smooth, add the cheese and milk.

Continuously stir over low heat until all the cheese is melted and well combined.

Freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.
Shredding your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded will give you a better-textured dip.
Roux seasoned with paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Make a seasoned roux with the butter, flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Beer cooking down and thickening in a roux.
Add the beer, stir, and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Seasoned beer, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard cooking in a large pot.
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the cream cheese and mustard until smooth.
Creamy cheddar beer cheese dip in a large pot on the stove.
Add the cheese and milk and continue to heat over low and stir until smooth and creamy.

How to Serve Your Cheesy Beer Dip

I highly recommend using these Homemade Baked Soft Pretzels as your dipping vessel for this awesome beer cheese. Otherwise, regular pretzels or warm toasty French baguettes are a great choice!

You can also use this Beer & Cheese Dip as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps.

Basket of pretzel bites served with a bowl of beer cheese.

How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftover Beer Cheese

On the rare occasion you may have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 weeks.

To reheat, add a splash of milk, cover, and reheat in the microwave for about 45 seconds, or over the stove on low until it is completely heated through.

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Beer cheese dip served with pretzel bites.

30-Minute Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

5 from 6 votes
Marley Goldin
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For all my fellow cheese-aholics who also enjoy a good brew, this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip combines creamy Cheddar and Monterey Jack with your favorite ale to make the perfect bring-the-brewery-home treat in one pot and less than 30 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10 servings

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup ale or lager of choice
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese (I used sharp)
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (or Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for some spice)
  • ¾ cup milk
  • scallions for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium heat, make a seasoned roux by melting the butter and whisking in flour, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Whisk in the beer and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickens.
    1 cup ale or lager of choice
  • Turn the heat down to low and whisk in the cream cheese and mustard until smooth.
    2 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
  • Still over low heat, stir in the cheese and milk and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the beer cheese dip is nice and creamy.
    8 ounces cheddar cheese, 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, ¾ cup milk
  • Garnish with scallions (optional) and serve immediately with homemade soft pretzels, bread, or crackers.
    scallions for garnish

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to turn your heat source all the way to low before adding the cheese to avoid splitting.
  • It’s always best to use blocks of cheese and grate your own.

Video

Course Appetizers, Snacks
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Keyword 30 Minutes or Less, Appetizer for Sharing, Beer Cheese, Cheese, Dip For Bread, Easy, Happy Hour Food, One-Pot
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