A Spicy Perspective

Irish Pub Cheese Recipe (Beer Cheese Dip)

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.

Irish Pub Cheese (beer cheese)

Cheese and Crackers

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.

classic Irish pub recipes

Pub Cheese

Sure, southerners have pimento cheese, but it’s just not the same thing.

Pub cheese is completely smooth and very bold in flavor. It’s amazing spread on crackers, pita chips, even apple slices.

Once Lt. Dan introduced me to beer cheese, I had to learn how to make it right away.

food processor creaming the cheese

What Ingredients You Will 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 recipe 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.

St. Patricks day snack staple

How To Make This Pub Cheese

Instructions for the best beer cheese dip:

  1. Break the cheddar into chunks and place in the food processor. 
  2. Pulse to break the cheddar up into small pieces.
  3. Add the 4 ounces cream cheese, beer, garlic, ground mustard, and teaspoon paprika. 
  4. Puree until completely smooth. (Check by using a spoon to stir the mixture.)
  5. Scrape the sides of the bowl and puree again if needed.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

See The Recipe Card Below For How To Make Irish Pub Cheese. Enjoy!

Spreadable cheese for homemade pita chips

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 Irish Pub Cheese Be Served Hot?

Irish pub cheese is wonderful 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.

Perfect For Sharing

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 boxtiessoda 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.

beer cheese dip

Other Irish Recipes You Might Like:

Zesty Irish Pub Cheese | ASpicyPerspective.com
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5 from 20 votes
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Irish Pub Cheese Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Irish Pub Cheese Recipe – silky smooth and loaded with Irish cheddar and beer flavor. This Pub Cheese Recipe makes a fabulous snack for Saint Patrick’s Day.
Servings: 20 servings

Ingredients

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.

Notes

Serving size is 1/8 cup (.125 cup)

Nutrition

Serving: 0.125cup, Calories: 94kcal, Carbohydrates: 0g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 150mg, Potassium: 35mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Vitamin A: 280IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 151mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Irish
Author: Sommer Collier

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64 comments on “Irish Pub Cheese Recipe (Beer Cheese Dip)”

  1. Pingback: The Organized Life, April Paint Bucket | The Painted Apron

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  3. Delicious! Any chance it can be frozen?

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  5. Can I use a mix of cheddar and swiss for this recipe?

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  7. Pingback: Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

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  10. Question – the mustard. I’m assuming it’s the ground mustard – i.e., McCormicks – the powdery stuff. Not stone-ground mustard with pieces of mustard seeds. Thanks!!

    • Hi Patricia,

      Yes, this recipe is calling for dried ground mustard, just to add a little depth of flavor. If you can’t find it, you could add a scant amount of yellow or Dijon mustard, just don’t overdo it or that is all you will taste! ;)

  11. I must make this for anniversary on the 17th. Thank you for sharing!

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  14. this recipe is fantastic! thank you so much for sharing this amazing beer cheese dip! St. Patty’s day here I come! 

  15. One of my favorite cheeses is the Kerrigold brand Irish cheddar. This is such a great dip recipe with that cheese. And cheese and crackers or cheese and chips are one of my favorite things to eat. This recipe does not disappoint!

  16. Such a fabulous appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day! I love, LOVE it!

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  19. Made half a recipe to eat all to myself! Was very wonderful

  20. Can you shred the cheese instead of putting it in the food processor?

  21. 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…

  22. 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).

  23. 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. 

  24. WOW this is soooo delicious ! A bit of a pain to blend but absolutely worth it! Thank you :)

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  28. 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

  29. 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!

  30. 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. 

  31. I meant Dubliner White Cheddar.
    Dumb autocorrect 😘

  32. I used dubliner quite chatter. I used harp beer and I added a 1/2 teaspoon of red Cayenne pepper. It’s terrific.

  33. I added horseradish! 😋😋

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  36. 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.

  37. 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

  38. Hi, can this irish pub cheese be served hot?

  39. Use Cheddar cheese and Horseradish…. My favorite pub cheese!

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  41. 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.

  42. 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! 

  43. We served this with warm pretzel sticks and apple slices. So good!! I’ll be making this a lot from now on.

  44. 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!

  45. Yum!! What a great appetizer idea for a party! Looks so good!

  46. 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!

  47. Just in time for my St. Pat’s party next week. Sounds yummy! Thanks for posting.

  48. I could spread anything on a pita chip!

  49. 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.

  50. This looks delicious. Do you use Colman’s dry mustard? Is the garlic minced?

  51. I’m from CT and have never heard of Pub Cheese or Beer Cheese.  It looks delicious.  I can’t wait to try it.

  52. 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!

  53. 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