Irish Pub Cheese Recipe
Irish Pub Cheese Recipe (Beer Cheese Dip) – Silky smooth and loaded with Irish cheddar and beer flavor. This Pub Cheese Recipe makes a fabulous snack for Saint Patrick’s Day.
Why We Love This Pub Cheese Recipe
One thing I noticed after marrying a northerner (over 20 years ago) is that restaurants in certain northern states regularly have an item on their menu that middle-American restaurants don’t.
Pub cheese. Beer cheese dip. Sometimes just called “cheese and crackers.”
These are all appetizers found in casual eateries, containing a crock of creamy spreadable cheese with a distinct flavor, and something crunchy to spread it on.
The rest of us are missing out.
Sure, southerners have pimento cheese, but it’s just not the same thing.
Pub cheese spreads are completely smooth and very bold in flavor. It’s amazing spread on crackers, pita chips, and even apple slices. It is sharp and creamy, perfect to have alongside a pint of beer or even a glass of wine!
It might seem like something you have to buy at the store, but actually, Irish pub cheese is super easy to make at home with a variety of cheeses, beer and a few spices! Let’s get started!
Ingredients You Need
Irish Pub Cheese brings together the appeal of strikingly nutty Irish cheddar and a crisp clean Irish lager.
Today I’m sharing my quick Beer Cheese Dip recipe made with:
- Irish Cheddar – or sharp cheddar cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Light Irish-Style Beer like Harp Lager – or a hoppy IPA
- Garlic Clove
- Ground Mustard – or a touch of Dijon mustard
- Paprika
It’s the easiest Irish appetizer ever. You simply place the cheddar in a food processor and grind it into small pieces. Then add the rest of the ingredients and puree until smooth. No need to make a roux or melt the cheese. This silky cheese dip is created by speed!
Using a lighter Irish-style beer like Harp, as opposed to the more popular dark stouts, means you get a light airy note of beer without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
How To Make Pub Cheese
Instructions for the best beer cheese dip:
- Break the cheddar into chunks and place in the food processor.
- Pulse to break the cheddar up into small pieces.
- Add the 4 ounces cream cheese, beer, garlic, ground mustard, and teaspoon paprika.
- Puree until completely smooth. (Check by using a spoon to stir the mixture.)
- Scrape the sides of the bowl and puree again if needed.
- Serve and enjoy!
See The Recipe Card Below For How To Make Pub Cheese. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Pub Cheese Be Stored In The Fridge?
If placed in an airtight container, this Pub Cheese Dip should last 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.
Can Beer Cheese Dip Be Served Hot?
Irish pub cheese is wonderful and served at room temperature.
Yes, it can absolutely be heated. Word of warning though, as it cools it might get a little gunky, so my advice would be to serve it in a small crockpot to keep it warm.
What Do I Serve With It?
Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, bread, crackers, pretzels, soft pretzel bites, veggies (especially broccoli or cauliflower), or apple slices.
How Should I Serve Beer Cheese Dip?
My whole family is crazy over Irish Pub Cheese, even the kids.
In fact, I’ve made it several times this season already, for family game day parties and neighborhood cocktail hour. It’s the perfect Instagram-worthy appetizer.
When planning your Saint Paddy’s Day feast this year, make sure to whip up a batch of Irish Pub Cheese to set out before you serve boxties, soda bread, or potato pie.
It’s a great make-ahead beer cheese sauce for any gathering!
Can I Add Salt and Pepper?
If you are not fully satisfied with the flavor, you can add salt and pepper to taste. You can even add in some garlic powder or onion powder if there is not enough zesty flavor for you. If you are looking for a kick of heat, you can add in some cayenne pepper powder.
What Else Can I Add?
Although this spreadable cheese dip needs nothing else, in my humble opinion, feel free to add anything you like! Chopped chives, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce are good options.
Looking for More Irish Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage Irish Stew
- Irish Potato Pie
- Corned Beef Pot Pies
- Irish Boxty Potato Pancake Recipe
- Irish Cabbage and Bacon Recipe
- Sweet Irish Soda Bread Recipe
- Irish Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Chocolate Guinness Floats Recipe
- Creamed Cabbage Recipe by Allrecipes
- Shepherd’s Pie from Simply Recipes
Irish Pub Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Irish cheddar
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup light Irish-style beer (Harp Lager)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Break the cheddar into chunks and place in the food processor. Pulse to break the cheddar up into small pieces.
- Add the cream cheese, beer, garlic, ground mustard, and paprika. Puree until completely smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl and puree again if needed. Serve with pita chips, bread, crackers, veggies, or apple slices.
Chris Cunningham, the saddest thing I think I’ve ever heard was “Never heard of Irish Cheddar”. If you like cheddar then you must try it! You won’t regret it, I promise! If your store carries it, it probably won’t be in the dairy section where eggs, milk, and cheese are but rather near the deli section. Near the dry salamis and fancy cheeses are. Seek it out.
Hi! How long can this be stored in the fridge? I imagine at least as long as regular cheddar could be, but is there something about the preparation that shortens its life
Hi KCS,
Yes, if well covered it should last 7-10 days in the fridge. :)
Hi, can this irish pub cheese be served hot?
Hi Deborah!
Yes, but as it cools the texture gets a little “gunky.” If you want to serve it hot, I would keep it in a small crockpot.
Use Cheddar cheese and Horseradish…. My favorite pub cheese!
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I am from Australia – never heard of Irish Cheddar. We have Kraft Cheddar or Tasty Cheddar so is one of these similar in taste? If not can you suggest a cheese, thanks.
This is delicious! Thanks! I had to add a little extra beer to mine to get it the consistency we like, but otherwise I followed the recipe and it’s perfect!
We served this with warm pretzel sticks and apple slices. So good!! I’ll be making this a lot from now on.
Made this recipe for our St. Patrick’s Day party last year and bookmarked it for this year. Super-easy to make and a big hit with everyone!
Yum!! What a great appetizer idea for a party! Looks so good!
Can’t wait to try this! I am assuming that most big grocery stores have this cheese? Also, what kind are your chips that you have on these photos? They look really good. Thanks!
Just in time for my St. Pat’s party next week. Sounds yummy! Thanks for posting.
I could spread anything on a pita chip!
Hmmm, I’m sitting here with two New Englanders who have never heard of Pub Cheese, but it sure sounds good! Me – I’m all about pimento cheese, naturally, but will have to give this a try for St. Patty’s!
LOL! Hey Priscilla, maybe this is more of a Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Northern Indian thing. I see it all the time when we visit my husband’s family.
It’s common in Northern Ohio, too. I can’t wait to make this! Now what will I do with the rest of the bottle of Harp…LOL
Hi,
I’m from Boston. Heard and had Pub Cheese all my life. Over fifty years now.
This looks delicious. Do you use Colman’s dry mustard? Is the garlic minced?
Hi Carrie! No need to mince the garlic, and you can use any brand of ground mustard you like. :)
I’m from CT and have never heard of Pub Cheese or Beer Cheese. It looks delicious. I can’t wait to try it.
Wow. This sounds awesome! My husband’s Granny is from Wisconsin (we are in Texas) and she always sends the BEST cheeses. I’m going to have to try this out! Great post!
Yay! I cannot wait to try this recipe. Whole Foods near us made this for awhile and then stopped. Now we can only find highly processed crap that does not taste good. Thanks for sharing xoxo A