Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels

Pretzel Cheese Dip in a bowl sits on a white plate with pretzels and pretzel bites next to beer glasses

This simple Pretzel Cheese Dip is the perfect gameday appetizer! Made from just three ingredients, this classic Beer Cheese Dip pairs perfectly with pretzels.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 524kcal

Ingredients

1 cup beer
8 oz. cream cheese cut into cubes
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Soft pretzels to serve

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the beer to a simmer.
Once simmering, add cream cheese cubes and lower the heat. Stir until melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Slowly add in shredded cheese by the handful. Stir until melted.
Serve warm with soft pretzels.

Notes

This Beer Cheese Dip recipe was originally shared by The Culinary Compass and was republished here with permission as a part of the Freaky Friday Collaboration.

Any light beer should work in this recipe! The flavor of the beer will come through the flavor of the sauce, so take that into consideration. Sam used Bell's Two Hearted Ale while I used Oak Highlands Brewery DFDub, which is a dark-style lager.

Quick Tips for making the best Beer Cheese Dip for pretzels:

We simmer the beer first to cook off some of the alcohol. This also helps the cream cheese melt more easily.
Don’t add the shredded cheese all at once—but a handful at a time. This will ensure the sauce doesn’t get clumpy.
Add different flavors by using a different type of beer. Make sure it’s a beer you like, though.
You can try different cheeses, too, to add different flavors. Perhaps you want to go in a TexMex direction and add shredded Mexican blend cheese.
Store leftover Pretzel Cheese Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the slow cooker or zap in the microwave. Be prepared to add a little extra beer or a bit of milk to make it creamier if it’s still pretty thick.

Nutrition