The ultimate Beer Cheese Dip! This dip is packed with creamy beer cheese flavor and made even more delicious with the addition of Johnsonville brats. Serve it with tortilla chips or soft pretzel bites for the perfect game day appetizer!
Just when you thought Beer Cheese Dip couldn’t get any better… here I am to prove you wrong. Because this Brat & Beer Cheese Dip is hands down the BEST.
Made with a combination of 4 different cheeses, Wisconsin beer, Johnsonville brats, and simple, delicious seasonings, it’s super cheesy, super creamy, and so easy to make. Not to mention… so much more satisfying than regular beer cheese dip.
As for dippers, we love using Casa Mercado Tortilla Chips because they’re thick and crunchy and hearty enough to stand up to this dip. That being said, it would also be delicious with sourdough bread, soft pretzel bites, or even one of Metro Market’s signature fresh veggie bowls.
No matter what you serve it with, this Brat & Beer Cheese Dip truly is the perfect appetizer for game days… and especially for the Milwaukee Bucks playoff season! Because the only thing more “Milwaukee” than beer and cheese is beer, cheese, AND brats! A winning combo!
Best of all, you can find everything you need to make it at your local Metro Market. Which is an even better deal than usual, because as a special Bucks playoff promotion, right now you can earn 100 bonus fuel points when you mix or match 3 participating products from the Playoffs Savings Spectacular BONUS.
Shop at Pick ‘n Save or Metro Market, where there are more than 800 qualifying products from Cedar Crest, Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Casa Mercado, Johnsonville, Palermo’s and Sargento. This Brat & Beer Cheese Dip uses 3 participating products… so you’re in luck! Also be sure to check out last year’s recipe for Carnitas Nachos!
If you’re not familiar with the Fuel Points Program, when you shop at Pick ‘n Save or Metro Market you earn one fuel point for every dollar spent on most groceries and qualifying prescriptions. Save up to two dollars per gallon when you redeem your points at your favorite participating bp and Amoco fuel stations! Visit picknsave.com/fuel or metromarket.net/fuel for details.
The fuel points bonus is valid as the Bucks remain in the playoffs. You can find a complete list of products at http://picknsave.com/bucks. GO BUCKS!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Brats – 1 package Johnsonville Brats, casings removed. I used Original Brats, but you can choose from different varieties depending on what’s available at your local store.
Beer – Beer adds delicious flavor to this dip. I used Spotted Cow, which is a mild, unfiltered farmhouse ale. Any beer with a light body and subtle flavor profile will work well. Avoid IPA’s or stouts, which will overpower the flavor of the cheese. *Make it gluten free by using a gluten free beer.
Cheese – I used a combination of cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheeses. I love using sharp cheddar in beer cheese recipes, but feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations.
Milk – Milk adds extra creaminess to this dip. I used 2%, but whole milk would also work well.
Flour – A little bit of flour helps to thicken the dip. I used all purpose flour, but you can also use arrowroot powder or cornstarch to make it gluten free.
Seasonings – I used a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper and salt & pepper to taste. Add additional seasonings as desired (see my variation suggestions below.)
storing & reheating
Leftover Beer Cheese Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding small amounts of milk as necessary to reach desired consistency.
tips for success
- Use a combination of cheeses for the best flavor. I used cheddar and mozzarella, but feel free to experiment with different varieties.
- Opt for a mild, light bodied beer. I used Spotted Cow, which is an unfiltered ale. Any of your favorite light beers will work well.
- Use MEDIUM-LOW heat! This is key so the cheese doesn’t seize or curdle.
- Keep stirring. Anytime you’re working with cheese, continual whisking or stirring is essential!
- Go easy on the salt. The brats will add a lot of saltiness to the dip, so keep that in mind. You can always add more at the end!
- Adjust the consistency by adding more cheese or flour to thicken it OR more liquid to thin it out.
Recipe Variations
- Use any combination of Sargento shredded cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, monterey jack, or specialty blends
- Use any type of beer you like
- Add additional seasonings, such as smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or Southwest seasoning
- Add a splash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce or horseradish for extra flavor
- Use any variety of Johnsonville Brats
- Add finely chopped sautéed onion and/or minced garlic
- Garnish with fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Serve with soft pretzel bites instead of tortilla chips
More Delicious Game Day Dips
Nothing beats a delicious warm, gooey dip on game days. These are some of our favorite EASY game day dips!
Brat and Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 package Johnsonville brats
- 1 1/2 cups beer I used Spotted Cow
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet to medium-high; add the brats (casings removed) and cook over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, using a spatula to break them apart as you go. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
- Wipe out the skillet, then heat to medium-low. Add the beer and heat until warm. DO NOT BOIL.
- Add the cream cheese and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the parmesan and shredded cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour, milk and seasonings and stir until incorporated. *If the dip is too thin, slowly stir in additional flour. If the dip is too thick, slowly stir in additional beer.
- Remove from heat; add the cooked sausage and garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chives, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, soft pretzel bites, or fresh veggies. Dip can be kept warm on the stovetop or transferred to a small crock pot on low heat.
Notes
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Beer Cheese Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding small amounts of milk as necessary to reach desired consistency.Tips for Success
- Use a combination of cheeses for the best flavor. I used cheddar and mozzarella, but feel free to experiment with different varieties.
- Opt for a mild, light bodied beer. I used Spotted Cow, which is an unfiltered ale. Any of your favorite light beers will work well.
- Use MEDIUM-LOW heat! This is key so the cheese doesn’t seize or curdle.
- Keep stirring. Anytime you’re working with cheese, continual whisking or stirring is essential!
- Go easy on the salt. The brats will add a lot of saltiness to the dip, so keep that in mind. You can always add more at the end!
- Adjust the consistency by adding more cheese or flour to thicken it OR more liquid to thin it out.
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