Join the club! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Collaborate
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Fresh Cooky new logo.

The Fresh Cooky

Real Food with a Healthy Twist

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • By Course
      • Apps & Snacks
      • Breads
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Sandwiches
      • Sauces & Condiments
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups & Stews
      • Sweets
    • By Cuisine
      • Asian
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • By Diet
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegetarian
    • By Meal Type
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Easy Weeknight
      • Freezer Friendly
      • Kid-Friendly
      • Make Ahead
      • Copycat
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Crockpot
      • Grilled
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Sheet Pan
      • Stovetop
  • Holidays
    • Patriotic Recipes
  • Most Popular
  • For Subscribers
Recipes โ€บ Courses โ€บ Appetizers & Snacks
2 Comments

Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Mar 17, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Easy Beer Cheese Dip recipe pin with image of finished dip, prepping the cheese dip and cheese dip covered on campfire.
Easy Beer Cheese Dip with pretzel dip in cast iron skillet and mans hand dipping a pretzel bite into dip with a bottle of beer behind.
Male hand dipping pretzel bite into beer cheese dip in a cast iron skillet.

Whether you are camping, having a cookout, tailgating or just want an incredibly easy Beer Cheese Dip, this is your recipe! Using a few simple ingredients, whip up this beer cheese recipe up in no time at all, and be the star of the party. Grab a cold one and call your friends!

You will definitely want to pair this pretzel cheese dip with something dip-able! Like these easy air fryer or oven baked pretzel bites, or make Bavarian Pretzels or store bought or even frozen soft pretzels. But it also tastes great with carrot sticks, celery and toasted french bread.

I don’t know what it is about the combination of beer and cheese, but it just works! Like this scrumptious Beer Cheese Soup surprisingly loaded with vegetables and broth! Or this super easy Beer Bread or Cheddar Beer Popovers, yes please!

Hand dipping pretzel bite into beer cheese dip.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

  • Simple Ingredients
  • How to make Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels
  • Cheese Dip for Pretzels Variations
  • How to Store Beer Cheese Dip
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More delicious appetizer recipes
  • Cheese Dip for Pretzels

Every fall I start thinking about what I can make with beer or cheese, cooler weather just screams a hearty, soul-warming dip, soup or meal. We love this Beer Beef Stew, my family goes nuts over it actually!

Simple Ingredients

  • Cheddar Cheese – Use sharp white cheddar, mild cheddar cheese, or try pepper jack or Colby Jack too. Grate your cheese off the block, pre-shredded cheese sometimes doesn’t melt well.
  • Cream Cheese – A great creamy base to bring the pretzel cheese dip together!
  • Garlic – A little minced garlic amps up the flavors, you could substitute a little garlic powder.
  • Beer – I like using a lager for the beer’s flavor! You can use a hoppy IPA, pale ales, pilsners, stouts; bottom line, use a beer you like to drink!
  • Chives – Chives not only give this dish a pop of color, but improves the overall flavor.
  • Spices – A splash of cayenne pepper for a kick along with some kosher salt and you are all set.

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

Ingredients for campfire easy beer cheese dip L-R cream cheese, salt, beer, shredded cheddar, chives, garlic and cayenne.
Try Amazon Fresh Today!

Recommended Equipment

This recipe is super simple and if you are a camper you probably already have a fantastic cast iron skillet you can use. That is really all you need, maybe a good long handled wooden spoon!

How to make Beer Cheese Dip for Pretzels

You can make this beer cheese dip recipe many ways, over a campfire or fire pit, on the grill for a cookout, on the stovetop or in the oven even! So many options so little time!

If using a campfire or fire pit, place a grate over the fire. In a 10 or 12″ cast-iron skillet (I love my Lodge skillets), add cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic, chives and beer — be sure to season with a little cayenne and salt.

Shredded Cheddar in cast iron skillet over campfire.
Add shredded cheese
Easy beer cheese dip with cream cheese, cheddar and pouring beer over the top.
then cream cheese
Adding minced garlic to pretzel beer cheese dip.
and garlic to skillet

I loved making this easy beer cheese dip on our fire pit actually, I just borrowed a grate from our grill and it worked like a charm! The image below is right before I placed the foil on top.

Skillet Beer Cheese dip over campfire before covering.

Cover with foil or with a heat safe lid if you have one, take a peek every now and then stir the mixture to combine.

The picture on the right is making this same pretzel cheese dip on our grill, with burners at about medium, which was about 400°F (205° C).

Cover skillet with foil and cook until bubbly and hot for beer cheese dip.
Cover skillet with foil
Stirring beer cheese dip to combine cheeses, spices and flavors.
Stir occasionally until smooth

Once all the cheeses are melted, stir or whisk well to combine until smooth, a few little lumps are just fine. Garnish with extra chives if desired.

If you want the top to have a little browned cheese, place 5-6 inches below broiler for 1 -2 minutes, watching closely! It will brown quickly.

Easy Beer Cheese Dip ready for dipping on cutting board with pretzel bites.

Stovetop or Oven Variation

Maybe like the first time I made this, the wind whipped up and it just wasn’t enjoyable to make outside, so instead, move inside just as easily.

  • Stovetop | Add all ingredients to cast-iron or other medium saucepan and cover, heating over medium heat until hot, bubbly and cheeses are melted. Stir occasionally to combine.
  • Oven | Place all ingredients in cast-iron skillet or other oven safe pan or dish, cover with foil and bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly. Stir until smooth.

Cheese Dip for Pretzels Variations

Our motto is “Make it Yours” want to make this spicer, add more cayenne, change the flavor by changing the cheese.

  • Spicy Beer Cheese Dip: Increase Cayenne pepper up to ¼ teaspoon (or more if you can handle the heat); toss in a 4 oz can of green chilis or canned jalapeños. Stir in a little Sriracha sauce at the very end.
  • Gourmet Beer Cheese Dip: Use smoked gouda, Swiss or Gruyere cheeses along with the cream cheese, yummy!
  • More Spices: Try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a little dijon mustard, ½ – 1 teaspoon onion powder.
Easy beer cheese pretzel dip in cast iron skillet with pretzel bites and carrots for dipping.

How to Store Beer Cheese Dip

This dip is best eaten off off the grill, campfire, stove top or oven! However; store leftovers in airtight container up to 7 days in the fridge.

How to Reheat Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip

To avoid separation, reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between until hot and smooth.

If you have to do it over the stove, whisk well in small saucepan over low heat until warm and smooth. If it separates it’s still good, it just won’t look as pretty!

Easy Beer Cheese Dip with pretzel dip in cast iron skillet and mans hand dipping a pretzel bite into dip with a bottle of beer behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for beer in beer cheese?

I get it, it won’t quite be beer cheese dip, but hey, we want this to be something you love. The following can be substituted cup-for-cup; beef broth, chicken broth, apple juice or cider, even coke or root beer! But you might get a completely different flavor! You may also use white wine (making it more like a yummy fondue) or ginger ale.

Does beer cheese dip have alcohol?

The simple answer is yes! However; there is a tiny amount in this dip, so if you are worried about kiddos having alcohol, most of it is cooked off during the process!

How do you keep cheese sauce separating when reheating?

Great question, the culprit of separation or grainy gritty cheese sauce is high heat too quickly. But how do you fix grainy cheese sauce?
1) Remove from heat for a couple of minutes, giving it a chance to cool.
2) Add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice, you won’t taste it but whisk in until it starts to come together. It interrupts the chemical reaction happening OR (but not both)
3) Add a teaspoon or two of cream, whisking in. BE SURE NOT TO ADD BOTH LEMON JUICE AND CREAM AS THIS can make it worse!
4) WHISK, whisking it fast and consistently to help bring everything back together.

Recipe adapted from Delish!

Easy Beer Cheese Dip with mans hand holding pretzel bite and pulling it out of the melty cheese dip.

More delicious appetizer recipes

  • Mediterranean Layered Dip
  • Easy Tomato Bruschetta
  • Air Fryer Ravioli
  • Salsa & Homemade Guacamole

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Recipe Card
Hand dipping pretzel bite into beer cheese dip.

Cheese Dip for Pretzels

No ratings yet
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Whether you are camping, having a cookout, tailgating or just want an incredibly easy Beer Cheese Dip, this is your recipe! Using a few simple ingredients, whip up this beer cheese recipe up in no time at all, and be the star of the party. Grab a cold one and call your friends!

Equipment

  • Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25″, Black
  • Wooden Spatula. Long handle Spatula for cooking.Handmade for Kitchen Cookware. (Spatula)
  • Lodge Cast Iron Pan with Lid

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

  • 10 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded, use sharp, Colby, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda or Gruyere
  • 8 oz cream cheese 1 block; softened (full-fat or neufchatel cheese is fine)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chives minced
  • 1 cup lager beer
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Cayenne pepper sprinkle or two
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • You can make this beer cheese dip recipe many ways, over a campfire or fire pit, on the grill for a cookout, on the stovetop or in the oven even! So many options so little time!
  • If using a campfire or fire pit, place a grate over the fire. In a 10 or 12" cast-iron skillet (I love my Lodge skillets), add cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic, chives and beer — be sure to season with a little cayenne and salt.
  • I loved making this easy beer cheese dip on our fire pit actually, I just borrowed a grate from our grill and it worked like a charm! The image below is right before I placed the foil on top.
  • Cover with foil or with a heat safe lid if you have one, take a peek every now and then stirring to combine.
  • The picture on the right is making this same pretzel cheese dip on our grill, with burners at about medium, which was about 400 degrees.
  • Once all the cheeses are melted, stir or whisk well to combine until smooth, a few little lumps are just fine. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
  • If you want the top to have a little browned cheese, place 5-6 inches below broiler for 1 -2 minutes, watching closely! It will brown quickly.
  • Stovetop or Oven VariationMaybe like the first time I made this, the wind whipped up and it just wasn't enjoyable to make outside, so instead, move inside just as easily.
  • Stovetop | Add all ingredients to cast-iron or other heavy bottomed pan and cover, heating over medium-low heat until hot, bubbly and cheeses are melted. Stir occasionally to combine.
  • Oven | Place all ingredients in cast-iron skillet or other oven safe pan or dish, cover with foil and bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly. Stir until smooth.
  • TFC PRO TIP | If Golden top on cheese is desired; place under broiler for a few seconds to a minute, watching closely. I like to put mine a little lower and stand and watch it, it can go from golden to burnt in seconds!
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

SERVE WITH: Pretzel Bites, Bavarian Pretzels, Pretzel Rods, Toasted baguette slices, carrots or celery sticks.
Variations
  • Spicy Beer Cheese Dip | Increase Cayenne pepper up to ¼ teaspoon (or more if you can handle the heat); toss in a 4 oz can of green chilis or canned jalapeños. Stir in a little Sriracha sauce at the very end.
  • Gourmet Beer Cheese Dip | Use smoked gouda or gruyere cheeses along with the cream cheese, yummy!
Storage Tips
This dip is best eaten off off the grill, campfire, stove top or oven! However; store leftovers in airtight container up to 7 days in the fridge.

How to reheat pretzel cheese dip?

  • To avoid separation, reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between until hot and smooth.
  • If you have to do it over the stove, whisk well in small saucepan over low heat until warm and smooth. If it separates it's still good, it just won't look as pretty!
Recipe adapted from Delish

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 718kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 177mg | Sodium: 1206mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1883IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 1079mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Hand dipping pretzel bite into beer cheese dip.
Did you make my Cheese Dip for Pretzels?Show it off! Share on Instagram, tag @thefreshcooky, and use the hashtag #thefreshcooky!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

Share This!

629 shares
  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • SMS

beer cheddar cheese cream cheese

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Join the Recipe Club!

Get my free eBook, Fresh Fridays emails, and never miss a recipe.

Unsubscribe anytime (privacy policy).

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Have a question, comment, or suggestions about this recipe? If you had any trouble, I would love a chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate. Constructive criticism is welcome, but please be respectful. Rude or inappropriate comments will not be approved. Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Dorothy Baxter

    Thu, Dec 5, 2024 at 3:48 pm

    Do you really mean 10 + cups of cheddar? That is a huge amount. thanks!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Thu, Dec 5, 2024 at 5:53 pm

      Yes I really do! It makes. Good amount of dip as you can see. You can use the slider button on the recipe card to cut it in half if youโ€™d like.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Join the Recipe Club!

Get my free eBook, Fresh Fridays emails, and never miss a recipe.

Unsubscribe anytime (privacy policy).

Trending Now

  • Crumbl cookie with milk chocolate chips.Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Best shaved steak recipes, round up picture with Philly cheesesteak, steak bomb, steak fajitas and stuffed peppers.39 Best Shaved Steak Recipes (Easy Steak Meals)
  • Easy and Quick Pizza Dough Recipe with dough on floured surface square.Easy No Rise Pizza Dough Recipe
  • Square image of whole easy key lime pie with dollops of whipped cream and decorated with wedges of key limes.Award Winning Recipe for Key Lime Pie
  • Fresh peach bundt cake on pedestal with drips of glaze.Best Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Recipe
  • Philly cheese steak sandwich on a tray with french fries surrounding it.Best Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
The Fresh Cooky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Subscribe Now

by Course

  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Breads
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads & Dressings
  • Sauces & Condiments
  • Side Dishes
  • Sweets

Holidays

  • Thanksgiving
  • Holiday Appetizers
  • Holiday Breakfast
  • Holiday Drinks
  • Holiday Main Dish
  • Holiday Side Dish
  • Holiday Sweets
  • Game Day Recipes

By Cuisine

  • Asian
  • German
  • Italian
  • Mexican

By Diet

  • Gluten-Free
  • Low Carb
  • Vegetarian

By Meal Type

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Easy Weeknight Meals
  • Freezer Meals
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Make Ahead

By Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Crockpot
  • Grilled
  • Instant Pot
  • One Pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • Stovetop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2025 ยท The Fresh Cooky ยท Privacy & Disclosure Policy

629 shares
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Save
  • Reddit

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required