German Beer Cheese

Whether you’re hosting an Oktoberfest get-together or need an easy appetizer to share at the next game-day tailgate, this recipe for German beer cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Made with simple ingredients—including sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and, of course, German beer—this tasty German cheese dip is ready to be served in less than 15 minutes.

Truthfully, this recipe is an Americanized version of obatzda, a traditional Bavarian beer cheese made with Camembert, butter, caraway seeds, wheat beer and sweet paprika for orange color. Cheddar beer cheese recipes like this one have their roots in the American South rather than southern Germany. Chef Joe Allman is credited with creating Kentucky beer cheese, a cheddar-based beer cheese, in the 1930s for his cousin’s restaurant on the banks of the Kentucky River.

German Beer Cheese Ingredients

• Sharp cheddar cheese: You’ll need 1 pound of sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe. For the best flavor and melting, use whole-block cheese rather than shredded cheese.
• Worcestershire sauce: This fermented condiment adds tang and umami to the cheese dip.
• Prepared mustard: Dijon mustard is a common choice for German beer cheese, but you could also use yellow mustard or a grainy mustard.
• Garlic clove: A minced clove of garlic adds a punch of pungent flavor to the German cheese dip.
• Seasoning: A little bit of salt and pepper helps to enhance the spread’s overall flavor.
• German beer: Choose a light beer such as a lager, pilsner or blond ale, or a wheat beer like hefeweizen. To pack in more flavor, try an Oktoberfest beer or brown ale. Nonalcoholic beer can also be used in this recipe; Athletic Beer is one of our favorites.
• For dipping: Serve this spread alongside sturdy dippers. Try an assortment of crackers, raw vegetables, soft pretzels or slices of crispy rye bread.

Directions

Step 1: Make the beer cheese

Place the cheese in a food processor and pulse until it’s finely chopped, about one minute. Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Gradually add the beer while continuing to process until the mixture is smooth and spreadable, about 90 seconds.

Step 2: Serve the beer cheese

Transfer the German cheese dip to a serving bowl. Serve it with an assortment of crackers and/or vegetables.

German Beer Cheese Variations

• Add some spices: Kick things up by adding a dash of Hungarian paprika, onion powder or cayenne pepper, or a dollop of horseradish (a little bit goes a long way!).
• Bring on the bacon: Beer cheese and crumbled bacon? A match made in heaven.
• Change up the cheese: Use a different type of cheddar (like mild or extra sharp) or change directions entirely and use Gouda, pepper jack, Colby, Gruyere or Monterey Jack instead. Whatever cheese you use, be sure to grate it yourself for the best results.

How to Store German Beer Cheese

Refrigerate any leftover German beer cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to four days when stored properly.

German Beer Cheese Tips

What should you serve with German beer cheese?

This German beer cheese spread would be perfect at any Oktoberfest party, served alongside German favorites like bratwurst, cabbage rolls and sauerbraten. It’s also great alongside other dips and appetizers at a tailgate gathering or a game night at home.