What's The Best Brew To Use For Homemade Beer Cheese?

Cheese dip comes in many forms. It can be combined with tomatoes and spices for a chunky queso, paired with milk and butter for an easy mac and cheese sauce, or mixed with beer for a funky, fragrant beer cheese. If you want to make that last one, there are a few different types of beer you can use, all of which play a role in the dip's flavor profile.

Beer cheese was born in Kentucky out of one restaurant owner's desire to use up more beer at the restaurant, but it's made its way across the country and even into household party menus. Generally, any beer will work for the dip. The kind you use will ultimately depend on how strong you want the beer cheese to taste. A hoppy, dark beer will give the dip a stronger flavor, while something light, like a pilsner, might be best for the crowd that likes cheese but doesn't necessarily want that super-strong beer flavor.

Start with ⅓ cup of beer for every 2 cups of cheese, and you can increase the amount depending on the consistency and flavor. If you want the beer to stand out, use a hoppy, strong beer, such as an IPA.If you plan on enhancing the dip with other ingredients and want the beer to be more of an undertone, use something light, like a pilsner or lager; this is probably the best option if you're not sure how everyone in the group feels about beer. Some suggest good lighter options like Modelo, Miller Lite, and Bud Light. Extra dark beer, such as a stout, will still work, but it will alter the cheese dip's color. Its color would normally come from the cheese and be pale yellow or orange, but the stout could cause it to turn brown.

Add other savory or spicy ingredients that pair well with the beer to bring out that beer flavor. Worcestershire and Dijon are savory and acidic options, respectively, while spices like smoked paprika will give the dip a kick. To help the cheese and beer combine smoothly, make the dip's base with butter, flour, and milk. Then, whisk in the cheese and beer until both are fully combined into the sauce. If you like what you taste, it doesn't have to stay a dip — you can also try adding it in your mac and cheese.