Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip

Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. This creamy, cheesy dip is packed with bold flavors from spicy sausage, tangy beer, and a medley of melted cheeses.

Perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering, this dip pairs wonderfully with soft pretzels, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies. It’s rich, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Serving bowl

Ingredients

• 1 lb hot Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for browning sausage)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beer (lager or ale works best)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Soft pretzels
• Tortilla chips
• Sliced veggies (carrots, celery, or bell peppers)

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smooth.
3. Add the Beer and Cream: Gradually whisk in the beer, followed by the heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
5. Season the Dip: Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine with Sausage: Fold the cooked sausage into the cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated.
7. Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with your favorite dippers.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 0g

Expert Tips

• Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness.
• Beer Choice: For a milder flavor, use a light lager; for a stronger, richer taste, try a darker beer like amber ale or stout.
• Keep It Warm: Serve the dip in a small slow cooker or warming dish to keep it hot and creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dip in advance and reheat it gently on the stove or in a slow cooker. Add a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much.

What can I use instead of beer? Substitute chicken broth or a non-alcoholic beer for a similar flavor without alcohol.

Can I use mild sausage instead of hot sausage? Absolutely! Adjust the spices to your preference for heat.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the dip on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Meat Options: Try ground chorizo or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a meat-free option.

Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip

Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. This creamy, cheesy dip is packed with bold flavors from spicy sausage, tangy beer, and a medley of melted cheeses. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering, this dip pairs wonderfully with soft pretzels, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large skillet
• - Wooden spoon or spatula
• - Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• - Mixing bowl
• - Serving bowl

Ingredients

  

• - 1 lb hot Italian sausage crumbled
• - 1 tbsp olive oil if needed for browning sausage
• - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• - 1 cup beer lager or ale works best
• - 1 cup heavy cream
• - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
• **For Serving:**
• - Soft pretzels
• - Tortilla chips
• - Sliced veggies carrots, celery, or bell peppers

Instructions

 

• **Cook the Sausage:** In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
• **Make the Roux:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smooth.
• **Add the Beer and Cream:** Gradually whisk in the beer, followed by the heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
• **Melt the Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
• **Season the Dip:** Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
• **Combine with Sausage:** Fold the cooked sausage into the cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated.
• **Serve:** Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with your favorite dippers.