This beer cream cheese dip is perfect for your next family gathering, gameday or Superbowl party when you crave a comforting snack. This easy appetizer is made in minutes and is ideal when served with your favorite store-bought pretzels or kettle chips.
Beer cream cheese pretzel dip is a crowd-pleaser and everyone will ask you for the recipe! You're going to love this creamy, cheesy dip.
Are you looking for a healthier twist? Serve this dip alongside some freshly chopped, crunchy veggies like celery and carrots.
This easy beer cheese dip is a copycat version of the Hidden Valley Ranch Beer Cheese Dip. I used my DIY spice mix to control the flavor, simple ingredients, and sodium in this recipe. This homemade version is super creamy, flavorful and delicious!
This post will give you all the tips and tricks on how to make the perfect cream cheese ranch dip for pretzels, chips and veggies.
Featured 5-star reviews:
Want to know what other people thought of this recipe? Check out these 5-star reviews left by our readers:
- "Tasty dip. Served with my homemade sourdough soft pretzels for a neighborhood party. Big hit!" - John
- "I made this beer cheese dip for a movie night with my grown kids. Delicious family appetizer that everyone enjoyed! Great way to use up an extra block of cream cheese." - Lisa
Looking for more cream cheese recipes? You're going to love our delicious cream cheese spreads for bagels, french toast and more! Check them out:
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smooth & creamy dip! The softened cream cheese makes this dip perfectly smooth with a scoopable consistency. It's made for dipping!
- Perfect for parties! Your guests will enjoy this refreshing cold cheese dip while they snack and socialize. This recipe is a fan favorite for game day parties, birthdays, and more events.
- Easy to make! This appetizer is easy to make and comes together in a few minutes. Anyone can successfully make this app.
- Real ingredients! Made with a few simple, real ingredients. This recipe is bursting with flavor from the dried herbs, shredded cheese, and beer.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Light beer,
- Salt and pepper
- Dry ranch seasoning mix (storebought or homemade with black pepper, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill)
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions
Need to make a substitution or missing an ingredient? Here are some ways you can alter this recipe to fit your unique dietary needs.
- Dairy-free or vegan? Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese.
- Don't have beer or want this recipe to be alcohol-free? You can try substituting the beer with buttermilk or a mixture of milk and apple cider vinegar. I have not tested this myself, but have heard it is a good substitute!
Variations
Here are a few ideas for customizing this recipe and making different flavor variations:
- Serve with fresh vegetables for a healthier appetizer.
- Swap the shredded cheddar cheese for another type of cheese like gruyere, parmesan, havarti, mozzarella, provolone, or gouda.
- Use part of a store-bought ranch seasoning packet instead of making your own spice mix to simplify this recipe even more.
- Have an array of pretzels including sourdough nuggets, seasoned pub pretzels, pretzel rods, or even warm soft pretzels.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
How To Make Beer Cream Cheese Ranch Dip for Pretzels
Step 1: Beat a block of softened cream cheese until smooth.
Step 2: Measure out ¼ cup of light beer. Use less beer for a thicker dip or more beer for a thinner dip.
Step 3: Pour the beer into the whipped cream cheese and stir gently. Use a mixer on low to mix fully.
Step 4: Prepare the homemade ranch seasoning mix.
Step 5: Sprinkle the seasoning into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 6: Add in the shredded cheese.
Step 7: Mix until combined. Let the dip set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 8: Transfer the chilled cream cheese dip into a bowl or dish for serving.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Remove the cream cheese from the foil wrapper before letting it sit on the counter to reach room temperature. Leaving the cream cheese in its wrapping will slow down the softening process.
- In a time crunch, microwave the cream cheese in short 10-second bursts. Avoid overheating—it should be soft and at room temperature when done.
- Blend the cream cheese until smooth using a mixer or food processor before adding any other ingredients to get the smoothest consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about this recipe? Here are some additional tips and commonly asked questions:
Light beer tastes best in this recipe. However, any type of beer will work in this recipe, so feel free to use one of your favorites!
Yes, this recipe contains alcohol. This dip is not cooked or baked so the beer is not cooked out. There is a small amount of beer in this recipe, but you can leave it out or substitute it with buttermilk to make it more kid-friendly.
Equipment
You will need a mixing bowl, a hand mixer with beaters or a stand mixer, a rubber spatula, a liquid measuring cup, and measuring spoons to make this recipe.
Storage
Refrigerator Instructions
Store the beer dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to
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Recipe
Beer Cream Cheese Pretzel Dip
This beer cream cheese dip is perfect for your next family gathering, gameday or Superbowl party when you crave a comforting snack. This easy appetizer is made in minutes and is ideal when served with your favorite store-bought pretzels or kettle chips.
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dips
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) of plain cream cheese, softened
- ¼ of light beer (I used Miller High Life)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Homemade spice mix:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
*You can use 2-3 teaspoons of storebought ranch seasoning instead of the DIY mix if preferred.
Instructions
- Unwrap 1 block of cream cheese and set it on the counter in advance so it has time to soften and come to room temperature. If you're in a rush, microwave the block of cream cheese for 15-second intervals to soften quickly. Do not overheat the cream cheese, you only want it to be at room temperature.
- Add the softened block of cream cheese to a mixing bowl and beat on low-medium speed until smooth.
- Incorporate the light beer with a wooden spoon or spatula before finishing with your mixer until fully combined.
- Mix the spices for the homemade ranch seasoning or use 2-3 teaspoons of a store-bought spice packet. Sprinkle the spice mix into the cream cheese mixture and mix to combine.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and transfer the dip to an airtight storage container. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving so the dip can set and chill.
- Serve beer dip with hard pretzels, potato chips or fresh vegetables like carrot and celery sticks.
Notes
- Double this recipe to make a bigger batch of dip that feeds a larger crowd!
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
Did you try this beer cream cheese dip? Leave a five ⭐️ review below and tag @bakedabundance on Instagram & Facebook!
John
Tasty dip. Served with my homemade sourdough soft pretzels for a neighborhood party. Big hit!