Easy Applebee’s Beer Cheese Dip Recipe Copycat

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, crunchy corn chips, or these Copycat Domino's Parmesan Bites.

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

Copycat Applebee's Beer Cheese is a savory dip with a smooth texture that is perfect for holiday parties, church potlucks, or family get-togethers. 

Ingredients for this Applebee’s Beer Cheese Dip

Scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Butter: mixes with the butter to create a roux base for your cheese dip. Use unsalted butter so you can add salt later on. 
• All Purpose Flour: is the thickening agent. Don't use 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 has a hint of citrus. You can use any of your favorite pale ales. 
• Milk: Use whole milk for this recipe as it will make your cheese dip the creamiest. 
• Fresh Garlic: 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 flavor. 
• Colby Jack Cheese: is a mild cheese that is somewhat sweet and tangy. It also melts really well. I recommend shredding your own from the block.
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: 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.

How to Make Applebee's Beer Cheese Dip

Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the page for the complete step-by-step instructions.

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then add in the flour and whisk until well combined to create a roux. 
2. 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
3. Stir constantly until it thickens. This can take up to 5 minutes. You will notice the mixture becoming thicker as you stir.

4. 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. 
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve the dip warm with tortilla chips or pretzels.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Applebee’s Beer Cheese Dip

• Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking powders that make beer cheese dip grainy.
• Remove the pot from the heat before adding cheese. Adding cheese over direct heat can make it clump or separate.
• Choose the right beer. A mild pale ale, wheat beer, or lager works best.
• Whisk, whisk, whisk. Whisking your roux and liquids well keeps the sauce smooth and prevents lumps.
• Adjust the thickness to your liking. If it’s too thick, whisk in a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or whisk in a tiny bit of flour slurry (remove some dip, mix flour in separately, then add back).

Why You Need to Make this Recipe

• This homemade Applebee’s beer cheese dip stays super smooth, creamy, and dippable, never grainy.
• It has a mild beer flavor (not overwhelming), melts perfectly, and reheats beautifully.
• You can serve it with soft pretzels, tortilla chips, veggies, bread bites, or even drizzle it over burgers and fries.

How to Store & Reheat

Storage

• Refrigerator: Let the dip cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. (Beer can slightly change flavor over time, but it’s still totally safe and delicious.)
• Freezer: Store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat low and slow while whisking to bring it back together

How to Reheat

• Stovetop (best method): Add dip to a small saucepan. Heat over low. Add a splash of milk or beer. Whisk until smooth and creamy
• Microwave: Heat in 20–30 second intervals. Stir between each burst. Add a little milk if needed to loosen it
• Crockpot for Parties: Perfect for keeping it warm on game day or during a gathering. Add dip and set to warm. Stir occasionally so the edges don’t overcook

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.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

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. 

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.

Can I make beer cheese dip without alcohol?

Yes! Use non-alcoholic beer or replace the beer with chicken broth + 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to mimic the tang.

Why is my beer cheese dip grainy?

Graininess happens when cheese is added over too high heat. Remove from heat before stirring in the cheese, and always use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest texture.

Can I make this beer cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat low and slow on the stovetop or in a crockpot with a splash of milk.

Homemade Applebee's Beer Cheese Dip Recipe