How to Make Kentucky Beer Cheese Spread - A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most popular snacks in Kentucky is the delicious and creamy Beer Cheese Spread. This savory spread is a staple at parties, picnics, and gatherings throughout the Bluegrass State, and it is commonly served with crackers, pretzels, and vegetables. With its rich and tangy flavor, it’s no wonder that this recipe has been passed down through generations, and is a beloved tradition in the region.

Originating in the 1940s, this beloved snack has a deep connection to the state’s ri...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup beer
  • 1 pound extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®)
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 3 cups

  • Pour beer into a bowl and whisk until beer loses its carbonation, about 30 seconds. Set aside.
  • Place shredded cheese into the work bowl of a food processor; add garlic, dry mustard powder, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and flat beer.
  • Process until smooth and creamy, pulsing a few times, scraping the sides, and blending for about 2 total minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. If adding more seasoning, pulse a few times to mix.
  • Transfer cheese spread to a bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Spread tastes best when refrigerated overnight to blend flavors, but it can be served right away if needed.
  • Nutrition

    82 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 20mg
    • Sodium: 144mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 138mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 24mg