Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon (Print)
Rich cheddar, crisp bacon, and lager beer meld for a smooth, savory dip for pretzels, sausage, or bread.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
3 pieces bacon, diced into small cubes
02 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (1:1 gluten-free flour works as well)
04 -
1 cup lager beer
05 -
½ cup whole milk
06 -
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
07 -
1 cup shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 4 oz)
08 -
4 ounces cream cheese
09 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
12 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
13 -
1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives
→ Optional Dipping Sides
14 -
Soft pretzels or soft pretzel bites
15 -
Kielbasa sausage, grilled and sliced into ½ inch pieces
16 -
Sturdy corn chips
17 -
Baguette slices
# How to Make It:
01 -
In a medium-sized cast iron pan, add diced bacon pieces over medium heat and stir until crispy. Remove and reserve, discarding the bacon fat.
02 -
In the same pan over medium heat, add flour and unsalted butter. Using a whisk, stir to combine. Once the butter is completely melted, continue stirring frequently for three minutes to activate the roux. See notes regarding the roux.
03 -
Add the beer, stir, and let it simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often. Adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. After 2 minutes, add the milk and continue to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
04 -
Add in the cream cheese and shredded cheeses and reduce the heat to low. Stir until the cheese melts and combines, approximately 2 minutes.
05 -
Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chives. Stir to combine.
06 -
Add reserved bacon over the top of the cheese sauce and serve immediately. Alternatively, transfer to a fondue or warming pot to maintain warmth. Serve with fresh pretzels, corn chips, or grilled sausage.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For the roux, avoid browning. The ideal state is a golden color that is slightly bubbling. Adjust heat as needed for this consistency.