Bavarian Beer Cheese Dip (Printable Version)

Creamy blend of cheeses and German beer, ideal for dipping with pretzels and party snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 1 cup whole milk
02 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1 cup shredded Swiss or Emmental cheese

→ Beer

05 - 2/3 cup German lager or wheat beer

→ Flavorings

06 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
07 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Thickener

13 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
14 - 2 tablespoons cold water

→ Toppings (optional)

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
16 - Pretzel salt for garnish

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, add the beer and whole milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, avoiding a full boil.
02 - Add the softened cream cheese and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and the cheese is fully melted.
03 - Gradually incorporate shredded sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, stirring without pause until all cheese is fully integrated and the mixture is velvety.
04 - Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors.
05 - Combine cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the cheese mixture, stirring constantly until the dip thickens, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives or green onions and pretzel salt if desired. Serve warm alongside soft pretzels, rye bread, or fresh vegetables.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Creamy & flavorful appetizer for any occasion
  • Quick preparation using simple ingredients
02 -
  • Beer varieties affect the dip flavor: lighter beers yield milder dips, wheat beers add slight sweetness.
  • If serving with pretzels, note wheat allergen; check all cheese labels for hidden ingredients.
03 -
  • Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and smoothness.
  • For a kid-friendly dip, substitute non-alcoholic beer or milk.