Go Back Email Link

Beer Cheese Spread

It's a delightful spread that starts with a mix of three gorgeous cheeses creating a marvelous layer of flavors to build upon. Sharp yet mild, nutty and buttery - cheddar, Port Salut, and Fontina mingle together playfully along with spices and savory notes plus a refreshing robust beer. Grab an extra cold one or two and get ready to enjoy this classic spread!
Course Appetizer
Servings 5 cups

Equipment

  • Electric mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 3 large cloves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 3-½ cups cubed sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 pound at room temperature
  • 1-¾ cups cubed Port Salut cheese, about ⅔ pound at room temperature
  • 2 cups cubed Fontina cheese, about ¾ pound at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ to ¾ cup beer or ale

Instructions
 

  • Warm the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the garlic to a cutting board, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and drizzle the any olive oil left in the pan. Finely mince the garlic together with the salt and olive oil. Set aside to cool completely.
  • Place the cubed cheddar cheese, Port Salut, and the Fontina cheese in a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Beat the cheese starting on low for about 2 minutes, then on medium until the cheeses are blended together and very smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce along with the dry mustard and cayenne pepper blending into the cheese on medium speed.
  • Pour in ½ cup of the beer, blending in on low speed, adding more of the beer to reach a desired spreading consistency.
  • Check for seasoning, adding the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt if needed.
  • Keep refrigerated. The cheese spread will firm once chilled. You can let the cheese set out at room temperature about 15 to 20 minutes to soften up a bit, making it easier to spread.

Notes

Some versions of this spread are made using only sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of both buttery and nutty cheeses add a nice balance.