Description
A creamy, savory dip made with sharp cheddar, smooth roux, and the malty depth of beer—perfect for pretzels, bread, or veggies. Ready in 20 minutes, this crowd-pleaser never lasts long at parties. The secret is in the beer choice and adding cheese slowly for the perfect silky finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (amber ale recommended)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fresh
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked, if available)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, cooking 1 minute until nutty.
- Slowly pour in beer, whisking until thick and glossy. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Add milk and stir until smooth.
- Season with mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add garlic if desired.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in cheese gradually, one handful at a time, until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot with pretzels, bread, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best results.
- If dip thickens as it cools, rewarm gently with a splash of milk.
- For extra flavor, blend half cheddar and half Gruyère.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg