Irish Pub Cheese Recipe
Irish Pub Cheese Recipe (Beer Cheese Dip) โ Silky smooth and loaded with Irish cheddar and beer flavor. This Pub Cheese Recipe makes a fabulous snack for Saint Patrickโs Day.
Why We Love This Pub Cheese Recipe
One thing I noticed after marrying a northerner (over 20 years ago) is that restaurants in certain northern states regularly have an item on their menu that middle-American restaurants donโt.
Pub cheese. Beer cheese dip. Sometimes just called โcheese and crackers.โ
These are all appetizers found in casual eateries, containing a crock of creamy spreadable cheese with a distinct flavor, and something crunchy to spread it on.
The rest of us are missing out.
Sure, southerners have pimento cheese, but itโs just not the same thing.
Pub cheese spreads are completely smooth and very bold in flavor. Itโs amazing spread on crackers, pita chips, and even apple slices. It is sharp and creamy, perfect to have alongside a pint of beer or even a glass of wine!
It might seem like something you have to buy at the store, but actually, Irish pub cheese is super easy to make at home with a variety of cheeses, beer and a few spices! Letโs get started!
Ingredients You Need
Irish Pub Cheese brings together the appeal of strikingly nutty Irish cheddar and a crisp clean Irish lager.
Today Iโm sharing my quick Beer Cheese Dip recipe made with:
- Irish Cheddar โ or sharp cheddar cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Light Irish-Style Beer like Harp Lager โ or a hoppy IPA
- Garlic Clove
- Ground Mustard โ or a touch of Dijon mustard
- Paprika
Itโs the easiest Irish appetizer ever. You simply place the cheddar in a food processor and grind it into small pieces. Then add the rest of the ingredients and puree until smooth. No need to make a roux or melt the cheese. This silky cheese dip is created by speed!
Using a lighter Irish-style beer like Harp, as opposed to the more popular dark stouts, means you get a light airy note of beer without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
How To Make Pub Cheese
Instructions for the best beer cheese dip:
- Break the cheddar into chunks and place in the food processor.
- Pulse to break the cheddar up into small pieces.
- Add the 4 ounces cream cheese, beer, garlic, ground mustard, and teaspoon paprika.
- Puree until completely smooth. (Check by using a spoon to stir the mixture.)
- Scrape the sides of the bowl and puree again if needed.
- Serve and enjoy!
See The Recipe Card Below For How To Make Pub Cheese. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Pub Cheese Be Stored In The Fridge?
If placed in an airtight container, this Pub Cheese Dip should last 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.
Can Beer Cheese Dip Be Served Hot?
Irish pub cheese is wonderful and served at room temperature.
Yes, it can absolutely be heated. Word of warning though, as it cools it might get a little gunky, so my advice would be to serve it in a small crockpot to keep it warm.
What Do I Serve With It?
Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, bread, crackers, pretzels, soft pretzel bites, veggies (especially broccoli or cauliflower), or apple slices.
How Should I Serve Beer Cheese Dip?
My whole family is crazy over Irish Pub Cheese, even the kids.
In fact, Iโve made it several times this season already, for family game day parties and neighborhood cocktail hour. Itโs the perfect Instagram-worthy appetizer.
When planning your Saint Paddyโs Day feast this year, make sure to whip up a batch of Irish Pub Cheese to set out before you serve boxties, soda bread, or potato pie.
Itโs a great make-ahead beer cheese sauce for any gathering!
Can I Add Salt and Pepper?
If you are not fully satisfied with the flavor, you can add salt and pepper to taste. You can even add in some garlic powder or onion powder if there is not enough zesty flavor for you. If you are looking for a kick of heat, you can add in some cayenne pepper powder.
What Else Can I Add?
Although this spreadable cheese dip needs nothing else, in my humble opinion, feel free to add anything you like! Chopped chives, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce are good options.
Looking for More Irish Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage Irish Stew
- Irish Potato Pie
- Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Irish Boxty Potato Pancake Recipe
- Irish Cabbage and Bacon Recipe
- Sweet Irish Soda Bread Recipe
- Irish Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Chocolate Guinness Floats Recipe
- Creamed Cabbage Recipe by Allrecipes
- Shepherdโs Pie from Simply Recipes
Irish Pub Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Irish cheddar
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup light Irish-style beer (Harp Lager)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Break the cheddar into chunks and place in the food processor. Pulse to break the cheddar up into small pieces.
- Add the cream cheese, beer, garlic, ground mustard, and paprika. Puree until completely smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl and puree again if needed. Serve with pita chips, bread, crackers, veggies, or apple slices.
Easy to follow recipe with very tasty results. Will definitely make again. Happy St. Patrickโs Day!
the mustard that you use, is that a dry, ground mustard, or prepared ground mustard?
Hi Don,
That is dried ground mustard. :)
So good, so easy! Will make again many times. Thank you!!!
Made it once as written โ delicious! Now I need to bring a gluten-free Irish dish to a party. Has anyone tried making this with cider instead of beer?
I havenโt used a cider, but I did use a gluten free beer. It was great. I know those can be hard to find, but this is what I found โ Glutenberg Blonde.