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Cheese Dip for Pretzels

Whether you are camping, having a cookout, tailgating or just want an incredibly easy Beer Cheese Dip, this is your recipe! Using a few simple ingredients, whip up this beer cheese recipe up in no time at all, and be the star of the party. Grab a cold one and call your friends!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 718 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 10 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded, use sharp, Colby, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda or Gruyere
  • 8 oz cream cheese 1 block; softened (full-fat or neufchatel cheese is fine)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chives minced
  • 1 cup lager beer
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • cayenne pepper sprinkle or two

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. You can make this beer cheese dip recipe many ways, over a campfire or fire pit, on the grill for a cookout, on the stovetop or in the oven even! So many options so little time!
  2. If using a campfire or fire pit, place a grate over the fire. In a 10 or 12" cast-iron skillet (I love my Lodge skillets), add cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic, chives and beer -- be sure to season with a little cayenne and salt.
  3. I loved making this easy beer cheese dip on our fire pit actually, I just borrowed a grate from our grill and it worked like a charm! The image below is right before I placed the foil on top.
  4. Cover with foil or with a heat safe lid if you have one, take a peek every now and then stirring to combine.
  5. The picture on the right is making this same pretzel cheese dip on our grill, with burners at about medium, which was about 400 degrees.
  6. Once all the cheeses are melted, stir or whisk well to combine until smooth, a few little lumps are just fine. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
  7. If you want the top to have a little browned cheese, place 5-6 inches below broiler for 1 -2 minutes, watching closely! It will brown quickly.
  8. Stovetop or Oven VariationMaybe like the first time I made this, the wind whipped up and it just wasn't enjoyable to make outside, so instead, move inside just as easily.
  9. Stovetop | Add all ingredients to cast-iron or other heavy bottomed pan and cover, heating over medium-low heat until hot, bubbly and cheeses are melted. Stir occasionally to combine.
  10. Oven | Place all ingredients in cast-iron skillet or other oven safe pan or dish, cover with foil and bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly. Stir until smooth.
  11. TFC PRO TIP | If Golden top on cheese is desired; place under broiler for a few seconds to a minute, watching closely. I like to put mine a little lower and stand and watch it, it can go from golden to burnt in seconds!

Notes

  • SERVE WITH: Pretzel Bites, Bavarian Pretzels, Pretzel Rods, Toasted baguette slices, carrots or celery sticks.
  • Variations
  • Storage Tips
  • This dip is best eaten off off the grill, campfire, stove top or oven! However; store leftovers in airtight container up to 7 days in the fridge.
  • Recipe adapted from Delish
  • Spicy Beer Cheese Dip | Increase Cayenne pepper up to ¼ teaspoon (or more if you can handle the heat); toss in a 4 oz can of green chilis or canned jalapeños. Stir in a little Sriracha sauce at the very end.
  • Gourmet Beer Cheese Dip | Use smoked gouda or gruyere cheeses along with the cream cheese, yummy!
  • To avoid separation, reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between until hot and smooth.
  • If you have to do it over the stove, whisk well in small saucepan over low heat until warm and smooth. If it separates it's still good, it just won't look as pretty!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 718kcal (36%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 60g (92%) Saturated Fat 34g (170%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 14g Cholesterol 177mg (59%) Sodium 1206mg (50%) Potassium 164mg (5%) Fiber 0.03g (0%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 1883IU (38%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 1079mg (108%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 718

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 718kcal 36%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 60g 92%
Saturated Fat 34g 170%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 177mg 59%
Sodium 1206mg 50%
Potassium 164mg 3%
Fiber 0.03g 0%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 1883IU 38%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 1079mg 108%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.