There’s not much better in the world than beer and pretzels…except if you add a delicious dip! Why do you think pretzels are such a popular bar-top food at pubs around the world? That’s exactly why fun beer fest folks wear pretzel necklaces! Heck, my mom used to put a shake of salt in her glass of beer…there’s something about beer and salt that just goes great. And this dip fits the bill perfectly.
Years ago, my friends and I used to meet for happy hour at a supper club near our office. One day, the owner brought out a bowl of deliciousness with a side of pretzels. It disappeared in a heartbeat…What was this amazing amalgamation of aromatic elixir? Beer Dip!! Oh my Lord…dip nirvana, second only to my Mom’s Pink Dip.
This stuff is stupid easy to make and it’s always a hit no matter where or when it’s served. It’s not like you can screw it up….there are only four ingredients: cream cheese, beer, cheddar cheese, and Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix. I tend to use a light beer when I’m making this dip. You get a great beer taste without overpowering the ranch and cheese flavors. The recipe below is a double. While the dip is always worth the minimal effort, you might as well save some time and make it a double. Odds are if you don’t, you won’t even get your fair share once it’s made!
Beer Dip
Ingredients
- 2 8- oz blocks cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ C shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 T Hidden Valley Ranch dip and dressing mix or 1 envelope
- 1/2 can of your favorite beer quantity is approximate
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend cream cheese and Ranch dressing. While the processor is running, slowly add the beer through the liquid chute, adding only enough to thin to dip preferred consistency. Be careful; you don’t want this runny or it won’t stay on your pretzel. Add cheddar cheese and pulse only to mix. Drink the rest of the beer! You can chill or serve immediately. I like to use either dipping pretzels or mini knots. This is also great spread on soft pretzels, bagels, crackers, chips and old shoe leather (not really, but it is damn good!).
