Name: Beer Cheese
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mild lager , such as Budweiser; 1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (4 cups); 1/4 cup finely chopped onion , rinsed and patted dry; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce; 1 garlic clove , minced

Why This Recipe Works

Equally delicious on beaten biscuits or crackers, beer cheese is simply a mixture of cheddar cheese, beer, and a few other add-ins. To make a quick and easy version, we simmer beer on the stove to concentrate its flavor. We then toss in some onion and garlic, which offer savory notes, and some hot sauce. Processing all the ingredients in the food processor ensures that the beer cheese is consistently smooth and easily spreadable.

Before You Begin

This spread can also be served as a dip for crudités. Either white or yellow cheddar can be used.

Instructions

Bring beer to boil in small saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 minute. Transfer to small bowl and let cool completely.

Process cheddar, onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and garlic in food processor until smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes. With processor running, slowly drizzle in beer and continue to process until very smooth, about 1 minute longer. Serve immediately, or transfer to bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.