Smoked beer cheese is a smooth and savory cheese dip or spread that is made by combining shredded or melted cheese with flattened beer, along with various spices and seasonings. It is a popular snack that originated in Kentucky and is typically served with crackers. This article will explore the origins of beer cheese, the best type of beer to use, and why it is called beer cheese.
What Is Beer Cheese?
Beer cheese is a form of cold pack cheese, also known as crock cheese or club cheese. It is usually made from processed cheese or a blend of cheddar and other cheeses, combined with spices such as cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and garlic. The addition of flattened beer imparts flavor and helps provide a smooth texture, giving the mixture its name. Beer cheese is usually orange, either from the color of the original cheeses or by adding annatto coloring, which gives orange cheeses their signature hue.
Contrary to popular belief, beer cheese is not a specific type of cheese, but rather a dip or spread made from various cheeses. It is said to have originated in Kentucky in the 1930s as a salty snack to serve at bars. The traditional Kentucky version is made with German lagers, but today it is often made with IPAs, stouts, and other craft brews.
Beer cheese is typically served with Saltine-style crackers and is often accompanied by sliced carrots and celery sticks, similar to those served alongside Buffalo chicken wings.
Beer Cheese vs. Pub Cheese
Pub cheese is another type of spreadable cold pack cheese that is sometimes made with beer. The terms pub cheese and beer cheese are sometimes used interchangeably, but pub cheese isn't always made with beer. For instance, the Presidente brand of pub cheese does not include beer. Therefore, all beer cheese can be considered pub cheese, but not all pub cheese is beer cheese.
Beer Cheese vs. Drunken Cheese
Another product that is sometimes described as beer cheese is a version of drunken cheese made with beer. This type of cheese is a solid cheese, usually firm or semi-firm, that is made by adding beer to the curds before pressing and shaping the cheese. The resulting cheese has a distinct beer flavor and often a marbled appearance, depending on the type of beer used. Unlike beer cheese, which is a spread or dip, drunken cheese is a solid cheese.
How Beer Cheese Is Made
Traditionally, beer cheese is a cold pack cheese spread, meaning it is made by combining cheeses with beer and other flavoring ingredients without heating or melting the cheese. It is served cold, although it can be warmed up if desired.
To make beer cheese, sharp cheddar is combined with processed cheese or other soft cheeses such as Monterey Jack or cream cheese. The mixture is then mixed with flat beer and seasonings including salt, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, garlic, and mustard. The combination is blended until smooth and chilled to solidify. Although it may have a slightly grainy appearance, the texture is smooth. In Kentucky, there are usually mild and hot versions of beer cheese.
Traditionally, flat beer is used because beer cheese was originally made with leftover beer that had gone flat. If making beer cheese at home, it is recommended to let the beer go flat first to avoid foaming up in the food processor.
Some beer cheese recipes involve melting the cheese along with beer and other ingredients, resulting in a cheese dip similar to queso dip. This type of beer cheese is melty and stretchy, as opposed to the cold and spreadable Kentucky beer cheese.
Substitutes
If beer cheese is not readily available, it is possible to make it at home using store-bought ingredients. Otherwise, any other cold pack club cheese or cheese spread, with or without beer, can be used as a substitute. Pub cheese is a particularly good substitute.
Uses
Beer cheese is commonly served as a snack with crackers, pretzels, vegetable sticks, and other dippables. It can also be used as a topping on burgers and sandwiches, or incorporated into soups and baked goods such as breads and rolls.
Storage
Beer cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, where it will keep for three to four days. Store-bought beer cheese can be kept in its original container, while homemade beer cheese should be transferred to an airtight container.
Beer Cheese Recipes
If you want to try making beer cheese at home, or use beer cheese in other recipes, here are a few ideas:
- Beer Cheese Dip: A spicy spread that pairs perfectly with crackers or pretzels. The recipe usually includes cheese, beer, milk, and spices for flavor, with variations ranging from mild to super spicy.
- Beer Cheese Soup: A creamy and flavorful soup made with beer, cheese, and other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and herbs. It is a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Beer Cheese Fondue: A fun and interactive way to enjoy beer cheese. Dip bread, vegetables, or other dippables into a warm pot of melted beer cheese for a delicious and indulgent treat.
Whether you enjoy beer cheese as a dip, spread, soup, or fondue, it is a versatile and delicious addition to any gathering or meal. Its unique combination of cheese and beer flavors makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite that is sure to impress.
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