PrintQuick & Creamy Pub-Style Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels
I’m Alex, and I want to share my simple recipe for a rich, velvety beer cheese dip. This stovetop sauce tastes just like your favorite pub version and comes together fast, making it the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer. Serve it warm with soft pretzels for a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light beer (Lager or Pilsner works well)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Soft pretzels, for dipping
Instructions
- Grate your cheese and set it aside. Shredding cheese yourself prevents clumping in the sauce.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, called a roux. Cook this mixture for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the beer while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for about two minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Heat gently until the mixture just begins to steam, but do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted and smooth before adding more. This low-heat method keeps your sauce velvety.
- Stir in the salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve the hot beer cheese dip immediately with warm soft pretzels, chips, or vegetables.
Notes
- For the best texture, avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can make your dip grainy.
- If the dip gets too thick while serving, whisk in a splash more milk or beer over very low heat until you reach your desired consistency.
- A lager or pilsner provides a clean flavor that lets the cheese shine. Darker beers can sometimes make the dip bitter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 45