Loaded with cheddar and bursting with great beer flavor, serve this silky Irish Beer Cheese Spread for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion.
Irish cuisine has a rich tradition of hearty, comforting dishes, and one favorite among them is the Irish Beer Cheese Spread. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply a cozy night in, this creamy and flavorful spread is sure to be a hit. Today, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of making this beloved recipe right in your own kitchen, from understanding the key ingredients to detailed step-by-step instructions.
Why you’ll love this Irish Beer Cheese Spread
- Makes a great appetizer!
- Silky, smooth and bold in flavor!
- Easy to spread on crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or veggie slices!
- Simple to whip up!
- Great for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion!
Understanding the Ingredients
To craft the perfect Irish Beer Cheese Spread, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients.
- Irish Beer: the star of the show, lends its robust flavor to the spread.
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: adds a nice bold, tangy flavor.
- Cream Cheese: provides structure and creaminess.
- Minced Garlic: contributes to its depth of flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: gives it a touch of umami.
- Dijon Mustard: bings a hint of tangy, spicy, sharpness.
- Hot Sauce: infuses a little heat.
- Paprika: creates a little smoky flavor.
- Pepper: rounds out the flavors.
- Finely Chopped Chives: adds some onion flavor and a burst of color.
What kind of beer should I use in Irish Beer Cheese Spread?
Whatever beer you’d like! For a sweeter, more subtle beer flavor, use a pale light beer. For stronger more intense beer flavor, use a dark beer. We went with Harp and it paired nicely with this spread. Using a lighter beer will render a subtle beer flavor while not overpowering the other flavors in the spread.
Irish Beer Cheese Spread-Ingredients
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Irish beer (Harp)
- 1 clove garlic (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp paprika (plus a pinch to sprinkle on the top)
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp chives (divided, to top)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Using a food processor or good blender, add extra sharp cheddar, cream cheese, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, paprika, and pepper. Process/blend until combined.
- Add beer slowly until well blended and creamy. You may need to adjust the amount of beer accordingly to get a nice consistency. Do not add too much beer or it may get too runny.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and fold in 1 tbsp of chives. Top with remaining chives and a sprinkle of paprika. Cover and refrigerate. Chill for at least 1-2 hours for best taste.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, pretzels and/or veggie sticks.
- Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Irish Beer Cheese Spread pairs wonderfully with an array of dippers, such as pretzels, crackers, or sliced vegetables. For a true Irish experience, consider serving it alongside a glass of your favorite Irish stout or ale. Get creative with your presentation by using hollowed-out bread bowls or themed serving platters to impress your guests. In addition, use it to spread on hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, or anything where you’d like a burst of great flavor!
Storing Tips
Should you find yourself with any leftovers, fear not! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Make this Irish Beer Cheese Spread today!
Making your own homemade Irish Beer Cheese Spread is not only achievable but also immensely satisfying. With a handful of simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can recreate this beloved Irish favorite right in your own home. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and get ready to dive into a world of flavor. Cheers to good food and good company! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For other Irish recipes try:
Try these great cocktails too!
Irish Beer Cheese Spread
Equipment
- food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup Irish beer Harp
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp paprika plus a pinch to sprinkle on the top
- 1/8 tsp pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chives divided, to top
Instructions
- Using a food processor or good blender, add extra sharp cheddar, cream cheese, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, paprika, and pepper. Process/blend until combined.
- Add beer slowly until well blended and creamy. You may need to adjust the amount of beer accordingly to get a nice consistency. Do not add too much beer or it may get too runny.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and fold in 1 tbsp of chives. Top with remaining chives and a sprinkle of paprika. Cover and refrigerate. Chill for at least 1-2 hours for best taste.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, pretzels and/or veggie sticks.
- Enjoy!
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