Bacon, beer, and cheese come together to create an incredible pub-style beer cheese dip. A combination of cheeses, mustard, and spices give this robust dip an unforgettable flavor perfect for dipping your tortilla chips or soft pretzels.
Why you'll love it
This is the perfect party food. It is that one cheesy snack you crave for Super bowl parties, holiday get togethers, or any time you want an indulgent pub-style treat.
It is totally customizable because you can use your favorite beer, cheese, and spices to enhance it according to your own tastes and mood! You can also make it kid-friendly by using non-alcoholic beer.
Despite how amazing the dip it, you only need a few minutes until it is finished and ready for everyone to enjoy.
You are going to love dipping all the things in this creamy, cheesy dip.
Key ingredients
The ingredient list for this dip is pretty short and straightforward. These are the key ingredients and any important notes about them. You can find the full list along with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Beer - The best type of beer would be a lager or other lighter beers. A nice wheat beer or pilsner is also great. The best beer to use will always be one you personally enjoy drinking. I do not recommend a hoppy ipa or any dark beers like stout, however, because the flavors will overpower everything else. Do not use a beer that has added flavors, especially any fruit or sweet flavors. If you plan on allowing children to enjoy this dip, I highly recommend using a non-alcoholic beer as the alcohol otherwise would not cook away completely.
- Cheese - For the best flavor profile, at least two types of cheese is recommended. I highly recommend a sharp cheddar cheese be included in your mix. Other cheeses I recommend are Gruyere, Swiss, fontina, or another nice melting cheese.
- Bacon - This is an optional addition to the recipe, but adds a lot of flavor, texture, and dimension. You will need a few tablespoons of bacon grease as well as crushed bacon. I recommend making a few extra slices at breakfast and saving them for this. It will also cut down on cooking time if you do decide to incorporate it.
- Milk - Milk adds creaminess to the dip and helps the cheese to melt smoothly. I recommend using whole milk or even half and half. Lighter milks like 2% and under will result in a dip that is too thin.
- Cornstarch - This helps to thicken everything and bring it together into a luscious and addictive dip.
- Enhancements - Garlic powder, dijon mustard, and a touch of worcestershire sauce can all add to the depth of flavor.
Variations
If you want to switch things up to make this flavorful dip even more memorable for game day, you can try adding a few new things to the mix.
- Spice things up with hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeno peppers
- Stir in powdered ranch dressing mix and a spoonful of sour cream for a delicious tangy twist
- Try adding in other spices and herbs like onion powder, dried rosemary, or chives
How to make
- Add the garlic, ¼ cup of beer, and bacon grease (if using, otherwise use butter or extra virgin olive oil) in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant.
- Mix another ¼ cup of beer with the cornstarch and lemon juice to make a slurry. Stir into the saucepan.
- Slowly add in the milk and remaining beer and heat until barely simmering.
- Slowly stir in the cheese and remaining ingredients Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl. Top with crumbled bacon and any other desired additions.
Note: You can keep the dip in a small slow cooker set to warm to keep the dip warm throughout the entire party!
Expert tips
On of my top tips for a creamy texture, use a block of cheese that you freshly grate instead of pre-shredded cheese which will be too dry and likely have a coating on it to prevent clumping. Any box grater will work and make the job quick and easy.
It is important to not let the dip get too hot while you are cooking, especially as you add the cheese. This can cause the cheese to become grainy. Instead, remove the dip from the heat as soon as the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
Favorite pairings
These are some of my favorite things to pair with this creamy beer cheese dip. Use it as inspiration!
- Hard or soft pretzels
- Soft pretzel bites
- Potato chips (especially wavy or ridged)
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh veggies such as carrots and broccoli
- Sourdough bread
- Poured over potatoes
- Drizzled over a juicy burger
- Breadsticks
- Pita bread or naan bread
Storing for later
Allow it to fully come to room temperature before placing in an airtight container. Leftover beer cheese dip will last in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat your beer dip in the microwave or on the stove.
Recipe Card
Bacon Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 5 slices of cooked bacon divided and finely diced
- 1 clove garlic finely diced
- 1 cup beer divided and at room temperature
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice room temperature
- ¾ cup whole milk room temperature
- 2 ⅔ cup extra sharp cheddar cheese room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup gruyere cheese room temperature
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 3 tablespoons bacon grease or butter
Instructions
- Prepare your bacon if you do not already have it available.
- Cook the garlic in the bacon grease and ¼ cup of beer in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant. Mix another ¼ cup of the beer with the cornstarch and lemon juice to make a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and cook until the slurry is incorporated.
- Add in the remaining beer and the milk, cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Add the cheese, one cup at a time and mix until melted. stir in the mustard, the bacon grease, and ¾ of the crumbled bacon, if using. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the remaining bacon.
- Serve warm.
Sara @ Cake Over Steak says
Yay for podcasts!! I'm glad I could persuade you. And this dip sounds amaaaazing. 🙂
Amanda says
Yes! I can't stop listening now! They are great! And yeah, the dip is pretty awesome 🙂