Applebee’s Beer Cheese Dip is creamy, made with a crisp pale ale, and is packed full of light yet savory flavors. This famous beer cheese dip appetizer is great to serve on game day or at your next party with warm soft pretzels or crunchy corn chips.

Since you are here, check out this Red Lobster Brussels Sprout Recipe, and this Wingstop Cajun Fried Corn Recipe for your next game day snack!

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overhead view of Applebees beer cheese dip in white bowl with pretzels around it

This easy copycat recipe is by far one of my favorites because it’s an easy recipe, a crowd-pleaser, and isn't too expensive to make.

Beer cheese is a savory dip with a smooth texture that is perfect for holiday parties, church potlucks, or family get-togethers.

hand dipping pretzel into Applebees beer cheese dip in white bowl with pretzels and chips around it

Applebee’s Beer Cheese Recipe Variations

Add. If you’re looking to add a little extra crunch to this cheesy dip, add some diced bell peppers. Another one of my favorite things to add is bacon.

Change. If you’re looking to change the flavor up just a bit, you can add different spices to your mix. My favorites are garlic powder or paprika. You can also change up the beer flavors for a fun twist.

Make It Spicy. If you’re looking to add a little heat to your beer cheese, try adding in some diced fresh jalapenos. For a little spice, remove the seeds before stirring them in. If you want it hot, keep the seeds in or use a hotter pepper, like a serrano pepper.

overhead view of Applebees beer cheese dip ingredients in small bowls and spoons on counter

What do you need to make Applebee’s Beer Cheese Dip?

Butter: mixes with the butter to create a roux, or base, for your cheese dip. You can use salted or unsalted butter but don’t add in too much salt later on if you use salted butter.

All Purpose Flour: is the thickening agent in this recipe. I do not recommend using cornstarch as a substitute for flour because cornstarch and water make a slurry rather than a roux and the texture will be off.

Blue Moon Ale: is my favorite beer to use because it is a lighter beer that is crisp, refreshing, and has a hint of citrus. You can use any of your favorite pale ales.

Milk: helps with making the beer cheese dip rich and creamy. I recommend using whole milk for this recipe as it will make your cheese dip the creamiest.

Fresh Garlic: is best when making this dish. I prefer using thinly minced garlic because it has a bold and pungent flavor that garlic powder doesn't have. If you plan on using pre-minced garlic, keep in mind that it does have a slight difference in taste but still works well for this recipe.

Worcestershire Sauce: adds a tangy yet savory flavor to the cheese sauce.

Dijon Mustard: adds a tangy and zesty flavor without tasting too much like yellow mustard.

Hot Sauce: adds a hint of spice to your dip, feel free to use more if you like your food spicy.

Onion Powder: gives this Applebee’s dip a pungent, yet sweet, flavor.

Colby Jack Cheese: is a mild cheese that is somewhat sweet and tangy. It also melts really well, making it perfect for your beer cheese. I recommend shredding your own from the block.

Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: is just cheddar cheese that doesn’t have yellow food dye in it. It has a sharp flavor that pairs well with the mild flavor of the Colby Jack. I also recommend shredding your own from the block.

Salt and Pepper: to taste, if you use salted butter be sure to use less salt.

Tortilla Chips or Pretzels: are my favorite items for serving, but you’re welcome to use crackers, pieces of bread, and any other food that you think will go well.

white bowl of Applebees beer cheese dip with pretzels and a chip dipped in it

How do I make Beer Cheese Dip?

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then add in the flour and whisk until well combined to create a roux.
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until well combined, creating a roux. Cook for about a minute. Slowly add in the beer and the milk while whisking to allow the mixture to thicken. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, and hot sauce
Stir constantly until it thickens. This can take up to 5 minutes. You will notice the mixture becoming thicker as you stir.
Remove the pan from the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Colby jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt and black pepper to taste.
Transfer to a bowl and Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips or pretzels.

overhead view of melting Applebees beer cheese dip in pot

How do you thicken this Applebee’s beer cheese dip recipe?

If you need to thicken your beer cheese up, you can just add a little bit of flour. The best way to do this is to put some of your beer cheese into a separate bowl, add in the flour, mix well, and then slowly stir back into the rest of your beer cheese.

overhead view of Applebees beer cheese dip in white bowl with pretzel on top and pretzels and chips around it

Can you get drunk from beer cheese?

You cannot get drunk by beer cheese. While your cheese is cooking, the heat causes the alcohol to cook off but keeps the alcohol flavor.

How do I store leftover beer cheese?

Because this recipe has beer in it, it can easily change flavors. At room temperature, I do not recommend your cheese staying out for more than two hours.

So, if you’re hosting a party, grab a mini crockpot or another dish that can keep your beer cheese warm. The cheese needs to stay warm to have the right consistency to dip your pretzels and chips in.

If you want to use leftover cheese later, let it cool to room temperature and put it in an airtight container or bag. You can store your leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.