Beer cheese is already a game-changer when it comes to party dips, but have you ever thought about making it with Guinness? Typically, beer cheese recipes call for lighter beers like lagers or pale ales because they don’t overpower the cheese. But here’s the thing, Guinness, with its rich maltiness and subtle bitterness, actually adds an incredible depth of flavor that makes the cheese taste even sharper and creamier. It’s a bold move, but one that pays off. The result is a St. Patrick’s Day recipe that’s smooth, cheesy, and packed with a unique savory warmth that lighter beers just can’t deliver. Whether you're spreading it on pretzels, dunking bread, or drizzling it over fries, this Guinness beer cheese will have you questioning why you ever made it any other way.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
This Guinness beer cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. The bold, malty notes from the Guinness make this dip stand out from your usual beer cheese, giving it a deeper, more complex taste. Plus, it pairs perfectly with all your favorite dippables like soft pretzels, crusty bread, chips, and even fresh veggies. Whether you're hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party or just want a cozy, cheesy snack, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Even those who don’t typically love beer will appreciate how well the flavors come together in this irresistible dip.
Ingredients in this Beer Cheese and Why They Matter
- Guinness Beer – The main ingredient! It adds a deep, malty richness and just the right amount of bitterness to balance out the creamy cheese.
- Butter – Helps create the roux that thickens the cheese sauce and gives it a silky texture.
- Flour – Works with the butter to thicken the beer cheese into the perfect dipping consistency.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar is the best choice because its strong flavor holds up against the boldness of Guinness.
- Milk – Adds creaminess and helps mellow out the stronger flavors.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These add a subtle kick of savory depth without overwhelming the dip.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Brings umami and a touch of tangy complexity that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
How to Make Guinness Beer Cheese
- Start with a Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook for about a minute until it forms a smooth paste.
- Pour in the Guinness: Slowly whisk in the Guinness, making sure to break up any lumps. Let it simmer for a minute so the alcohol cooks off and the flavors meld.
- Add the Milk: Stir in the milk and let the mixture warm up but not boil.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Season It: Add garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy with soft pretzels, crackers, or even as a topping for burgers and fries!
FAQs
Can I use a different beer? Yes! While Guinness adds a unique depth, you can experiment with other dark beers like porters or stouts. If you want something milder, a brown ale would work too.
How can I make this spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it some heat.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
What else can I serve this with? Aside from the usual pretzels and bread, try dipping roasted vegetables, using it as a spread for sandwiches, or even drizzling it over baked potatoes.
This Guinness beer cheese is the perfect way to bring some bold, cheesy goodness to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
PrintGuinness Beer Cheese Recipe
Ready in just a few minutes, this Guinness beer cheese is a perfect dip for snacks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: appetizer, snack
- Cuisine: Irish, American
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
⅔ cup Guinness
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 drop red food color and 2 drops yellow food color (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then whisk in the flour.
- Whisk in the milk and continue heating the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients and heat until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- The beer cheese will be a brown color due to the Guinness in it, if you want it to be more orange, add 1 drop of red and 2 drops of yellow food color.
- Pour the beer cheese into a serving dish and serve with pretzels, bread, or even veggies!
