Beer Cheese Sauce

5 from 1 vote

A smooth and creamy beer cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, beer, and a hint of jalapeño brine for extra flavor. Perfect for pretzels, fries, vegetables, and more.

Prep Time5

Cook Time8

Total Time13

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Canadian

Servings:

Calories: 477kcal

Author: Jacqueline Piper

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup beer lager or light beer works well
2 cups 2% milk
1 tablespoon brine from pickled jalapeño jar optional
2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
pickled jalapeños garnish, optional

Instructions

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until smooth and lightly cooked.
Pour in the beer and whisk until combined. The mixture will be thick.
Slowly add the milk while whisking, until smooth and fully incorporated.
Stir in the jalapeño brine (if using) and heat gently until just before simmering.
Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
Serve immediately. Garnish with pickled jalapeños if desired.

Notes

Best cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.

Beer choice: Use a beer you like drinking. Lighter beers give a milder flavor, while darker beers will taste stronger.

Texture tip: Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from separating.

Adjust thickness: Add a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick.

Nutrition