To celebrate American Cheese Month, I present to you my delicious beer and cheese dip. In 2019, the American Cheese Education Foundation moved this month from October to May to better support the needs of cheesemakers and retailers. Personally, I think we officially should celebrate cheese every month.

You can enjoy this decadent dip with chips or veggies, use it as part of a loaded nachos platter, incorporate it into homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, pour it over steamed veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower, or pair it with my homemade pretzel bites.  This dip has such a depth of flavor not found in the jarred stuff at the grocery store. It is so easy to make and will keep in the fridge for a week or so.

I like using a dark beer with this, but just stick to your favorite brew and you’ll be fine, although a lager or lighter beer won’t offer as much of a complex flavor. Measure your beer (3/4 cup cup) and bring it to room temperature before starting this recipe. Drink whatever you don’t use for the dip so you don’t waste anything! 

Ingredients

• 1 garlic clove, peeled and slightly smashed
• 8 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese, (softened to room temperature and cubed
• 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup of your favorite beer at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish

Preparation

Rub a large sauce pan with the garlic clove and place the pan over medium heat (save the garlic clove for another use.)

Add cubed cream cheese and melt. Add beer, a quarter cup at a time, continuously stirring until fully combined with the cream cheese.

Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder.

Reduce heat to low and add cheese, little by little, stirring until the cheese is fully melted. I use a rubber spatula to scrape the edges of the pot.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and pour into a serving dish. Garnish with chives if desired.

Serve with your choice of veggies, chips, Kel’s pretzel bites, etc. Enjoy!

 Bon appétit!

Eat, drink and be merry!