This week I felt like I was running out of time. With it being my birthday week, and work being crazy…before I knew it, the week was nearly over and I still hadn’t settled on something to cook on my blog. My limited time told me it had to be something quick, easy, and a snack would be best, since I wouldn’t be home for any meals. And that’s when Pinterest reminded me of this Beer Cheese Dip recipe I’d pinned months ago…thanks Pinterest!
I have been drooling slightly at the thought of making Beer Cheese Dip for a while now, and it was time to give it a try. After all, this dip meets all of the criteria I was looking for this week. It is a cold dip, which means cook time is minimal. The dip has only 4 ingredients, so it’s inexpensive and easy to throw together. And it’s an appetizer that we can munch on for a few days.
When I say this recipe is easy, it’s no understatement. My all-time favorite cold dip I’ve made on my blog so far is Taco Ranch Dip, but this Beer Cheese Dip comes in at a close second. Let 16 ounces of cream cheese soften and then use a stand mixer to mix together the cream cheese, one envelope of Ranch dressing mix, and 1/3 cup of Beer. Once that’s combined, stir in cheddar cheese and you’re done. (Told you it was easy, didn’t I?!)
To me the 2 biggest variables are the beer and cheese, because there are tons of varieties of each. The cheese was really a no brainer. I LOVE the flavor of sharp cheddar cheese in dips because you can taste the cheddar in every bite. As for the beer, I knew I wanted some kind of ale so that you didn’t lose the beer flavor but I didn’t want anything to hoppy or heavy, so that it would overwhelm the dip. I went with Sam Adams’ Summer Ale as it seemed like a lighter option that still had great beer flavor…fabulous choice!
No worries to your friends and family who aren’t big fans of beer (gasp!). The dip isn’t overly beer-flavored. It just is a subtle layer of flavor so that it’s not a one-note cheese dip. And I’m happy to report that this dip was a big hit with my family. I even got a text while I was golfing last night letting me know how great it was! (Thanks, Mom!)
This Beer Cheese Dip is perfect for Summer days, nights, BBQs, cookouts, get togethers…I cannot wait for you to try it out. Serve it with your favorite veggies, sturdy crackers like Wheat Thins or Triscuits, or I found it great with pretzels or pretzel crisps. Be sure to check out the recipe post for step by step photos and the full recipe. Happy dipping!
A look back:
One year ago: Spaghetti Squash is So Cool – Part 2: Spaghetti Squash Mac ‘n Cheese
Two years ago: Lunchtime Gets Fancy – Mexican Quinoa and Guacamole
Three years ago: Not-So-Saucy Pasta
Four years ago: Learning to Love Salads: Part 2 – Quinoa Salad
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