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Easy Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip: Best Tailgate Appetizer

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This creamy, velvety beer cheese dip is perfect for tailgates and game day parties. Made with sharp cheddar, a crisp lager or pale ale, and simple pantry staples, it stays dippable longer than most cheese dips and pairs perfectly with soft pretzels, veggies, or chips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Shred the cheese first. Before turning on the stove, shred 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. Place the shreds in a bowl and let them come to room temperature while you prepare the rest.
  2. Melt the butter. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally.
  3. Make the roux. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk or stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly and smells slightly nutty.
  4. Add the milk slowly. Gradually pour in 1 cup of whole milk while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the beer. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add 3/4 cup of your chosen beer. Stir gently to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
  6. Add the seasonings. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix well.
  7. Add the cheese gradually. Remove the saucepan from the heat completely. Add the shredded cheese one handful at a time, stirring gently until each addition is fully melted before adding the next.
  8. Season to taste. Once all the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth, taste it. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper as needed.
  9. Serve immediately or keep warm. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. If taking to a tailgate, pour into a pre-warmed small slow cooker or thermos.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest texture. Avoid boiling the beer to prevent bitterness. The dip can be made a day ahead and reheated gently with a splash of milk. For a spicy version, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño. For a smoky version, swap half the cheddar for smoked gouda.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer cheese dip, pretzel dip, tailgate appetizer, game day snack, easy cheese dip, cheddar beer dip

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/easy-beer-cheese-pretzel-dip-best-tailgate-appetizer/