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.
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Made half a recipe to eat all to myself! Was very wonderful
Can you shred the cheese instead of putting it in the food processor?
Hi Cindy, absolutely! :)
How long does this spread last and would it travel well? We are traveling to a wedding and I’m responsible for the bridal brunch. This would be perfect on the table…
Hi Suzy!
If you pack it in a cooler, you should have no trouble taking it with you. :)
I took this to a St. Patty’s day potluck at work and served with pita chips and mini rye bread squares. It was a hit. I also gave some to my Irish neighbors who asked for the recipe. Great spread and worth finding real Irish cheddar (found it at Kroger).
Made for St Patrick’s Day supper with a few friends. Just delicious and easy to make. Easily made ahead and kept well refrigerated. I’ll definitely make again.
WOW this is soooo delicious ! A bit of a pain to blend but absolutely worth it! Thank you :)
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Hi!, I haven’t made it yet. It interests me though, sounds delicious. I have a question: What do you mean by “ground mustard”: mustard powder or moist whole seed mustard?
Thank you! Alison
Sommer, thanks so much for the great recipe! I served this as an app at our country club the week prior to St. Patrick’s Day. We are a limited schedule in winter, so for Wed, Thurs & Fri I had specials of Guinness Stew over colcannon, Corned Beef dinner & Bangers & Mash (colcannon). Made Irish soda bread every day. everyone enjoyed the week of festivities. Then we were closed due to the virus. Stay safe & thanks for your great ideas!
Made this for an early St. Pats party tonight. It’s very thick, so I’d say it’s more of a spread than a dip (and I added about 1/4 cup more beer), but it is delicious. I didn’t have paprika, so I substituted about 1 1/2 teaspoons of Penzey’s Chip and Dip seasoning for that and the garlic (it has both in it). Next time, I think I’ll add a touch more mustard, and some cayenne, too.
I meant Dubliner White Cheddar.
Dumb autocorrect 😘
I used dubliner quite chatter. I used harp beer and I added a 1/2 teaspoon of red Cayenne pepper. It’s terrific.
I added horseradish! 😋😋
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