Lager is a family of beers that includes bright lagers, amber lagers, dark lagers, Oktoberfests, and pilsners. I used Fat Tire because that what I had on hand, but Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite are all good options. No need to use anything fancy!

What brands of cheese do you recommend?

For the Cheddar, you can use a good supermarket brand, like Cabot or Tillamook. For the Gruyère, look in the gourmet cheese section for a Swiss-made cheese that bears the AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) seal, which shows that the cheese is authentic.

Can I make beer cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes! Beer cheese dip can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and reheated over medium-low heat on the stovetop until warmed through. If it's too thick, add a bit of half & half to thin it out.

Beer Cheese Dip - Once Upon a Chef

Beer Cheese Dip

By Jenn Segal

Malty richness and cheesy bliss, beer cheese dip is the ultimate comfort food snack, perfect for game day or any day.

Servings: About 2 cups

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Total Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup lager beer (see note)
1½ cups half & half
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Scant ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 oz (1 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese
4 oz (1 cup) shredded Gruyère cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until the flour is completely absorbed. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.
While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the beer and half & half. Whisk in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly, then reduce to a simmer and continue cooking, whisking frequently, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes.
With the heat on low, add the cheeses a handful at a time, whisking between each addition, until the cheese is fully melted before adding more. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh chives, if using. Serve immediately.
Note: Lager is a family of beers that includes bright lagers, amber lagers, dark lagers, Oktoberfests, and pilsners. I used Fat Tire because that what I had in the house, but Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite are all good options. No need to use anything fancy!
Make-Ahead Instructions: Beer cheese dip can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and reheated over medium-low heat on the stovetop, whisking frequently, until warmed through. If it's too thick, add a bit of half & half to thin it out.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (8 servings)
Serving size: 4 tablespoons
Calories: 254
Fat: 20 g
Saturated fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 10 g
Sodium: 270 mg
Cholesterol: 62 mg