This ultra creamy sauce is made from lager beer, milk, cheddar cheese and spices and is perfect for dipping or topping your favorite foods!
Thick and velvety cheesiness, with plenty of cheddar and beer flavor!
Creamy Beer Cheese Sauce
Lately, I’ve had an obsession with cheese. Beer cheese to be specific. Nearly all our favorite restaurants have an appetizer or two on the menu that come with beer cheese and OMG I can’t get enough. I’ve been on a mission to create a recipe that’s just as delicious as the restaurant’s version, if not better. DONE!
My favorite part about this recipe is how adaptive it is. Want a thicker sauce, more of a dip consistency? Simmer it longer or add a bit less liquid. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne, or some jalapeno. Play around with the cheese used, use a different beer, the possibilities are endless!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BEER CHEESE?
There are so many ideas, it’s hard to narrow them down!
So far I’ve tried everything pigs in a blanket, homemade soft pretzel sticks, and tortilla chips.
But I can’t wait to try french fries, fried pickles, chicken tenders, and as a topper for a juicy burger!
CAN BEER CHEESE SAUCE BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?
Sure can! I personally think it tastes best when made fresh, but it can be done ahead of time. Just make sure you heat it up slowly and stir it often, otherwise it can become grainy and possibly separate.
WHAT KIND OF BEER SHOULD YOU USE FOR BEER CHEESE?
You can use whichever beer you like to drink. Make sure it’s a flavor you like, as it will be prevalent in the sauce. I love to use a lager-style beer, as it has a robust, yet light taste.
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING BEER CHEESE SAUCE:
- Don’t let the small amount of beer fool you, it still has plenty of beer flavor.
- Use a beer that you love the taste of, since it will be intensified in the sauce.
- For the best results, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in a substance to prevent it from clumping in the bag, which can make it not melt as smoothly in a sauce.
- Season and taste as you go. I’ve given you my base seasoning in the recipe, but feel free to add, subtract, or swap out for any seasonings you’d like.
OTHER GREAT PARTY RECIPES:
- Bacon Ranch Cheeseball
- BBQ Beer Lil Smokies
- Garlic and Herb Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
SHOP THE RECIPE:
- Box Grater – remember, the best sauce starts with freshly grated cheese!
- Saucepan – a great pot to have for so many sauces!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup lager beer
- 1 cup whole milk (half and half or heavy cream may be substituted)
- 1 tsp grainy dijon mustard (or regular dijon)
- 1/2 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- pinch of dried parsley (optional)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) (about 12 oz)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over MED heat. Add flour and whisk until combined. Cook 30 seconds, while whisking occasionally.
- Add beer, whisking continuously as you pour, eliminating any lumps from the flour mixture. Slowly add in milk, whisking as you pour.
- Cook over MED heat, whisking often, for several minutes, until mixture has thickened. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Add cheese, a handful at a time, and stir until completely melted. Serve warm.
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Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Kay says
My family really liked it, we had them over our tater tots and another time for a BBQ. Thanks
Nina says
I’ve made this so many times I can no longer count. It’s absolutely phenomenal! Don’t skip anything in the recipe!!
Allyson says
This was the best beer cheese dip and so simple to make!!
Cathi Kroul says
Love this recipe. I will have to double the next time.
I only had light beer, I’m going to try the LAGER the next time.
Loved it for an afternoon of snacking on the weekend.
Kim says
Do you think the texture will be the same if I put everything in a crockpot ?
The Chunky Chef says
I haven’t tested it, but I don’t think this would cook well in a slow cooker. You could keep it warm in one after you’ve made it on the stovetop though 🙂
Sarah says
I don’t drink beer what can I substitute for it?
The Chunky Chef says
I’m not sure you could substitute beer in beer cheese sauce, it’s an instrumental flavor. If it’s the alcohol that’s giving you pause, you could use a non-alcoholic beer though.
Paula says
Try tostios in the jar. Beer cheese may not be for you. Although, I DO NOT drink beer, but love beer cheese. Go fugure!!
Frances says
Very good goes well with sausage balls
Kris Lathrop says
It was easy to make. Great flavor.
Dori says
Just delicious! Easy to make and it’s great with homemade pretzel bites.
Ang says
Hi I havent made this yet but can you FREEZE the sauce? Because that would be amazing for a single person 🙂
The Chunky Chef says
Since dairy can sometimes separate during the freezing and thawing process, I haven’t tested freezing this recipe, so I can’t say for certain how it’ll turn out. You could always halve the recipe if you need less 🙂
Ry says
How long can this stay in the fridge for?
The Chunky Chef says
This should last for about a week.
Jeanine Fuqua says
Flavor was good, not a fan of the consistency. Will try again and see if I can get it right for my family.
JonnyM says
Awesome and easy recipe! I’ve made it several times and had to leave a comment after my latest batch because it turned out exceptionally well. I used Paulaner Oktoberfest beer and, since I’m in Eastern Washington, used Cougar Gold sharp cheddar from WSU. This recipe makes a beer cheese better than any I’ve had in German restaurants or even in Bavaria! Thanks so much, Amanda!
Jeanette says
Can this be made ahead and refrigerated until needed and reheated?
The Chunky Chef says
Yes, the details for the best results are included under the heading “can beer cheese be made ahead of time” in the post above the recipe.
William Gauthier says
Good beer cheese dip. It’s a bit on the saucy side of the dips. The mustard definitely gives it its own flavor. If you like mustard only complete I wish it had more of the beer flavor that I’m used to all not a bad recipe.
Lori says
I made this with gluten free flour and beer for my husband that has Celiac disease. It was easy and delicious! We served with soft pretzels and it couldn’t have been better.
Rosie says
Made this with whole ground mustard because that was what I had on hand. I love mustard so I doubled that. My grandparents don’t like too much spice so I just put a pinch of cayenne and added a 1/4 t smoked paprika. So yummy
Judi VanGels says
My family loved it I didn’t use the mustard. Although I think it would have added great flavor my husband detests mustard and he can taste it in almost anything. Will make again,,
Doug says
Hi made recipe on New Year’s day. Really good. Making it again today, but adding more flour_ I cut flour by 1 TBLS and it wasn’t think enough. Also adding a tsp of cayenne pepper to give more spice. Had a boule of french bread and got hot polish sausage for today. Gonna be awesome.
Carl says
Delicious! Turned out thick and luxurious, even using 1% milk, which is what I had on hand. I went with the full teaspoon of Worcestershire for the added savoriness.