Katie Lee’s Ohio-Style Beer Cheese – Creamy, Cheesy, and Boldly Boozy
This Ohio-style beer cheese recipe, inspired by Katie Lee’s Midwestern flair, is everything you’d want in a dip: smooth, tangy, bold, and rich with sharp cheddar and malty beer flavor. Whether you’re tailgating, entertaining, or just need something next to your soft pretzels, this cheese dip hits all the right notes.
🍽 Ingredients (Servings: About 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup beer (lager or pale ale works best)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chives or scallions, finely chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Roux:
🧈 In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a golden paste.
2️⃣ Add the Liquids:
🍺 Slowly whisk in the milk and beer until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until it starts to thicken (about 3–5 minutes).
3️⃣ Season the Base:
🧄 Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne. Mix well to infuse bold flavor.
4️⃣ Melt the Cheese:
🧀 Lower the heat to low. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Serve Hot:
🌿 Pour into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives or scallions. Serve warm with soft pretzels, pita chips, veggies, or beer bread.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Ohio-Style Beer Cheese
- 🍺 Beer Sampler Pack – Explore flavor combos for your cheese dip.
- 🧀 Sharp White Cheddar – Aged cheddar melts smooth and packs flavor.
- 🥣 Nonstick Saucepan – Great for creamy, no-stick sauces.
- 🔪 Stainless Whisk Set – For lump-free sauce prep.
- 🧂 Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and depth.
- 🥨 Soft Pretzel Kit – The perfect dipper for your beer cheese.
💡 Helpful Tip
For a thicker cheese dip, use less beer or more flour. Prefer a spicier kick? Stir in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.