Susannah from Feast + West here with a lovely summer appetizer. Summer is the time of year when eating outdoors is mandatory if the weather is nice. Cookouts, picnics, barbecues… There’s never enough excuses to be outside, forgetting about winter.
One of my favorite summertime activities is drinking craft beers on the patio with friends and watching the sunset and the fireflies while we catch up on our work weeks. An appetizer is always nice too and dips are a quick and easy one that all can enjoy. This easy Beer Cheese Dip is garlicky, cheesy and mildy spicy. It’s a perfect match for these uber soft German Pretzels I shared on Feast + West.
If you’re looking for an easy appetizer to go with beer, this Beer Cheese Dip is the one for you. Use a lager or an ale, whatever works. If you make it more than once, you can try different beers until you find one you like. For the cheese, a sharp cheddar will work best. For dipping, you can try the pretzels if you have more time, or you can use any soft bread, apple slices or broccoli florets. This dip is almost fondue-like, but with no flames or sticks required. Enjoy!
A garlicky cheese dip with a hint of beer
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, divided
- 1/2 cup beer (lager, ale or pilsner)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- a pinch of cayenne pepper, plus more for garnish
- 12 ounced sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- small sprig of thyme
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the flour.
- Remove the pan from heat, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of the milk until smooth. Whisk in 2 more tablespoons of milk. Add the rest of the milk in three parts, whisking until smooth in between additions.
- Stir in the beer, dijon, cayenne and salt. Return the pan to the heat and stir until thick and bubbling, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from it.
- Add the cheese a handful at a time, whisking after each addition until melted through and smooth. Add more salt and cayenne to taste. Garnish with a pinch of cayenne and a small sprig of thyme.
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This looks delicious! Looking forward to trying out this recipe.
I’m so glad! I think you will really like it. It’s so easy to make and pretty tasty too!
Oktoberfest 2017 at the Grefe house is serving this dip
and I’m really excited.