Description
A creamy, pub-style cheese dip loaded with sharp cheddar, tangy beer, and crispy bacon. Perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy gatherings, this easy appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz Monterey Jack or Gouda (optional, for extra smoothness)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 1–2 tbsp for garnish)
- 3/4 cup medium-bodied lager or ale (or non-alcoholic beer/chicken broth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Soft pretzels, baguette slices, crackers, or veggies (for serving)
- Green onions or chives, finely sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Place bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels, cool, and crumble. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons for garnish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Gradually pour in beer, whisking constantly. Add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt & pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack/Gouda, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, saving some for topping. Add green onions or chives if desired.
- Transfer dip to a heatproof serving bowl. Garnish with reserved bacon and herbs. Serve immediately with pretzels, bread, crackers, or veggies.
Notes
For gluten-free, swap flour for cornstarch and use gluten-free beer or broth. For vegetarian, skip bacon and add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms. Melt cheese slowly over low heat for best texture. If dip thickens, add a splash of milk or beer. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup per serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 7
Keywords: beer cheese dip, bacon cheese dip, pub appetizer, party dip, game day snack, creamy cheese dip, easy appetizer, cheddar dip, bacon dip, beer dip