Kentucky Heritage Beer Cheese Spread
Experience the unique blend of flavors in this classic Kentucky Heritage Beer Cheese Spread. Originally created in the 1940s by Joe Allman for his cousin's Kentucky River restaurants, this savory cheese spread has become a beloved staple of Kentucky cuisine. Perfect as a dip or spread, this recipe brings together the sharpness of cheddar with the subtle flavors of beer, garlic, and spices, creating an irresistible combination. Whether you're serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it as a simple snack, this beer cheese spread is sure to be a hit. Make it a couple of days in advance for the flavors to mature to perfection. Serve it with your choice of crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies to enjoy a true taste of Kentucky.
32
Servings
50
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beer
6-8 ounces (flat)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb (grated)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
onion
1/4 small (minced)
dried mustard
1 teaspoon
hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1 pinch
Instructions
1
1. Pour the beer into a glass or bowl and allow it to sit until it goes flat, about 30-60 minutes.
2
2. In a food processor, combine the grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic cloves, minced onion, dried mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3
3. Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are roughly blended.
4
4. With the processor on, gradually pour in the flat beer until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. The mixture should be somewhat soft but will firm up as it chills.
5
5. Transfer the spread to a ceramic crock or an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two days to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
6
6. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and serve with pretzels, crackers, potato chips, carrot sticks, or celery sticks. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
3 g
Protein
0 g
Fiber
78 mg
Sodium
12 mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kentucky Heritage Beer Cheese Spread?
It is a savory blend of sharp cheddar, beer, garlic, and spices, originally created in the 1940s by Joe Allman for Kentucky River restaurants.
Who originally created Kentucky Beer Cheese?
The recipe was first developed by Joe Allman for his cousin's restaurants located along the Kentucky River.
When was this beer cheese recipe first created?
This classic Kentucky staple was originally created in the 1940s.
Does the beer need to be flat for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specify that the beer should sit for 30-60 minutes until it goes flat before being added to the mixture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 32 servings.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How long should the beer cheese be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least two days to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this beer cheese spread contains approximately 50 calories.
What should I serve with Kentucky Heritage Beer Cheese?
It is best served with pretzels, crackers, potato chips, carrot sticks, or celery sticks.
Should the spread be served cold or at room temperature?
When ready to serve, the spread should be brought to room temperature.
What equipment is needed to make the spread?
A food processor is used to blend the cheese, garlic, onion, and spices together.
How much beer is required for the recipe?
The recipe uses between 6 to 8 ounces of flat beer.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes two minced garlic cloves.
What spices give the beer cheese its flavor?
The flavor comes from a mix of dried mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this beer cheese in advance?
Yes, making it a couple of days in advance is actually recommended for the flavors to mature.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is approximately 78 mg of sodium in each serving.
Does this recipe contain onions?
Yes, it requires 1/4 of a small onion, minced.
How much cholesterol is in a serving?
There are 12 mg of cholesterol per serving.
What consistency should the beer cheese have?
It should be somewhat soft when blended, but it will firm up as it chills in the refrigerator.
Is this beer cheese spicy?
It has a mild kick from the inclusion of hot sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What should I store the beer cheese in?
Store it in a ceramic crock or an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How is the beer added to the cheese mixture?
With the food processor running, gradually pour in the flat beer until your desired consistency is reached.
Are there any fibers or sugars in this recipe?
The recipe contains 0g of fiber and the sugar content is negligible.
Can I use this as a dip or a spread?
It is versatile and works perfectly as both a dip and a spread.
How many ingredients are in the Kentucky Heritage Beer Cheese?
There are a total of 10 ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for a small amount (1/4) of a small onion, minced.
Can I use any type of beer?
While any beer can be used, it must be allowed to go flat for the best results in the spread.
Is this a traditional Southern dish?
Yes, it is considered a beloved staple of Kentucky and Southern cuisine.
What is the preparation method for the cheddar cheese?
The sharp cheddar cheese should be grated before being added to the food processor.