Description
This Quick & Easy Irish Beer Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or game day. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack cheeses melted into a roux-based sauce with garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, and a splash of Guinness beer, this dip offers a rich and tangy taste with just the right kick. Serve it warm with pretzel bites, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Dip
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Spicy Brown Mustard
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- ⅔ cup Guinness (or beer of choice)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar
- ½ cup Shredded Swiss
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack
For Serving
- Pretzel Bites, Tortilla Chips or Veggies
Instructions
- Make the Roux and Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and flour, stirring continuously. Sauté this mixture for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and infuse the garlic flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Mustard: Stir in the cayenne pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and spicy brown mustard, mixing well to combine the spices evenly into the roux base.
- Incorporate Liquids: Slowly pour in the whole milk and Guinness beer while continuously whisking. This prevents lumps and helps create a smooth sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until it thickens and begins to bubble gently.
- Melt in the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy and smooth.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately while warm with your choice of pretzel bites, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies as dippers.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for the creamiest texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect smoothness.
- To make ahead, keep the dip warm on low heat on the stovetop covered, or transfer to a small crockpot on low setting. Stir well before serving.
- This dip can also be used as a flavorful topping for grilled sausages on a baguette or as a burger topping for an Irish-inspired meal twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe (approx. 1/3 cup)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
