This Bacon Beer Cheese Dip is the ultimate party dip — rich, creamy, and loaded with smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and the malty backbone of your favorite beer.

It’s everything you love about bar food in one skillet: cheesy, salty, and just boozy enough to make it interesting. Serve it hot, bubbly, and surrounded by things to dip.

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup beer (amber ale, brown ale, or lager — avoid IPAs)
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Gruyère
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of cayenne, splash of hot sauce, or green onions for garnish

Beer Tip: Use a malty, smooth beer like a brown ale or amber lager. Something you’d drink at a cookout, not a hop bomb.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.

Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add butter to the skillet. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 3: Add the Beer & Milk

Slowly pour in the beer, whisking to prevent lumps.

Simmer 2–3 minutes, then add the milk, mustard, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring back to a low simmer.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

• Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheeses a handful at a time, whisking until smooth.
• Fold in most of the bacon (save a bit for topping).
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Add cayenne or hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve With:
  • Soft pretzels or pretzel bites
  • Potato chips or waffle fries
  • Sliced baguette or rye crackers
  • Veggies like celery, carrots, or roasted cauliflower (for the illusion of balance)
• Top With:
  • Reserved bacon bits
  • Green onions or chives
  • Extra shredded cheese

Make Ahead Tip: Keep warm in a slow cooker or serve straight from the skillet. It reheats beautifully with a splash of milk.

Beer Pairing

• Best in the dip:
  • Amber ale
  • Brown ale
  • Bock or Vienna lager
• Best on the side:
  • Serve the same beer you cooked with
  • Or pair with a crisp pilsner to cut through the richness
  • Try a porter for extra roasted depth

Final Thoughts

Bacon Beer Cheese Dip is a one-skillet showstopper: creamy, salty, cheesy, and loaded with bacon and beer flavor.

It’s fast, easy, and dangerously good — whether you’re tailgating, couch-gating, or just celebrating cheese the way it was meant to be.

Cheers to the dip that steals the show! 🥓🧀🍺

🍺 Explore Our Top Cooking with Beer Recipe Collections

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.