This Spicy Beer Queso Dip is not your average nacho cheese — it’s smoother, punchier, and way more flavorful thanks to a splash of beer and a kick of heat.

Made with real cheese (no Velveeta here), fresh jalapeños, and your favorite brew, it’s perfect for game day, taco night, or basically any time you want to dip something into liquid gold.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds in for more heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup beer (pale ale, lager, or amber — nothing too hoppy)
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
• 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack
• Salt to taste
• Optional: splash of hot sauce or diced chipotle in adobo

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
• Add onion and jalapeño, and sauté for 5 minutes, until soft.
• Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir to coat.

Cook for 1–2 minutes until it bubbles and smells nutty.

Step 3: Pour in the Beer

Slowly whisk in the beer. Let it simmer and thicken for 2–3 minutes, whisking constantly.

Step 4: Add Milk & Spices

Whisk in milk, mustard, paprika, and cayenne.

Bring back to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Add cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Taste and adjust salt or heat (hot sauce, chipotle) as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve With:
  • Tortilla chips
  • Warm soft pretzels
  • Potato wedges or fries
  • Grilled sausage slices
  • Fresh veggies (if you must)
• Use As:
  • Nacho topping
  • Cheeseburger drizzle
  • Taco filling binder
  • Baked potato upgrade

Beer Pairing

• Best beer in the dip:
  • Pale ale (for balance)
  • Lager (clean and classic)
  • Amber ale (adds sweetness and malt depth)
• Best beer in the glass:
  • The same beer you cooked with
  • Spicy saison or citrusy IPA for contrast
  • Cream ale or wheat beer for mellow pairing

Final Thoughts

Spicy Beer Queso Dip is cheesy, crave-worthy, and just spicy enough to keep people coming back for more — no matter how big the bowl.

It’s the MVP of any snack table, the secret weapon of your next party, and dangerously easy to eat by the spoonful.

Cheers to beer you can dip into! 🧀🌶️🍺

🍺 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.
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• 🌶️ 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.