Nothing pairs better with warm pretzels than a creamy, flavorful cheese dip, and that’s exactly what makes this Red Robin beer cheese recipe so special. Inspired by the restaurant-style dip, this homemade version is smooth, cheesy, and has just the right amount of kick to keep you coming back for more.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time perfecting this recipe after so many requests from readers who loved my homemade soft pretzels and sourdough pretzels. Everyone agreed – pretzels are amazing, but they need the perfect dip to go alongside them. That’s when the beer cheese recipe became a must-make in my kitchen.
Now, I’m sharing my personal favorite version of Red Robin’s beer cheese. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with rich cheddar flavor. You can customize it with different cheeses and beers, but the base recipe is so good that you’ll want to serve it at every party, game night, or just a cozy night in.
What Makes This Red Robin Beer Cheese So Delicious?
This beer cheese dip has a rich, velvety texture with the perfect balance of sharp cheddar and mellow Monterey Jack. The flavor is bold yet smooth, making it an irresistible pairing for pretzels, fries, or even vegetables.
The beer adds depth without being overpowering. A blonde ale or lager brings out a malty warmth, while the spices add gentle layers of garlic, onion, and paprika. That little dash of cayenne creates a subtle heat that lingers without burning your taste buds.
Altogether, the dip is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. It’s not too thick and not too thin – just the right consistency to coat each bite. Every scoop feels indulgent, making it a go-to appetizer that tastes just like the one you’d get at Red Robin, only fresher and homemade.
Ingredients Required for Red Robin Beer Cheese Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Red Robin Beer Cheese
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup half and half (or ½ cup milk + ½ cup heavy cream)
- ⅔ cup beer (blonde ale, lager, or wheat beer recommended)
- 6 oz shredded cheese (blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened and cubed)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or 2 tsp coconut aminos)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium to large heavy-bottomed pot or cast-iron pan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups of beer cheese dip
Copycat Red Robin Beer Cheese Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Copycat Red Robin Beer Cheese at home
Step 1: Prepare the base
In a heavy-bottomed pot or cast-iron pan, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until a smooth paste forms. This mixture acts as the thickening base for your dip.
Step 2: Build flavor with spices
Sprinkle in your seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne (optional). Whisk continuously to coat the butter-cornstarch base, letting the spices bloom and release their aroma for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the cream
Slowly pour in 1 cup of half and half (or a mix of milk and heavy cream). Whisk steadily while adding it in a thin stream to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a silky sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate the beer
Gradually drizzle in ⅔ cup of beer, whisking constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes so the beer cooks down, leaving behind its rich flavor without bitterness. Choose a mild lager, blonde ale, or wheat beer for the best results.
Step 5: Melt the cheeses
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 6 ounces of shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack work beautifully), followed by 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for depth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep warm over low heat and serve immediately with pretzels, fries, or breadsticks.
Chef’s Secrets for Red Robin Beer Cheese Recipe
For the smoothest dip, always shred your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded-it melts creamier and avoids graininess. Choose a mild beer like a blonde ale or lager to keep the flavor balanced; avoid overly bitter brews. Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation.
Finally, soften cream cheese before mixing for a silky texture. A dash of Worcestershire or Dijon mustard can elevate the flavor, but add sparingly to avoid overpowering the cheese.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Pair This Red Robin Beer Cheese
1. With Homemade Soft Pretzels
This is hands-down our favorite way to enjoy beer cheese. There’s just something about the chewy, salty pretzels dunked into warm, creamy beer cheese that feels like the perfect match. It’s like game-day heaven.
2. Dipping for French Fries
We’ve tried it with both waffle fries and shoestring fries – and trust us, once you dip a hot, crispy fry into this beer cheese, ketchup won’t even cross your mind again.
3. Poured Over Burgers
One of the best upgrades we’ve done at home is topping our burgers with a generous spoonful of beer cheese. It melts right into the patty and adds this amazing, cheesy richness.
4. As a Nacho Cheese Sauce
We’ve drizzled it over a big tray of tortilla chips with jalapeños and salsa, and it instantly turned into a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The flavor of the beer cheese makes nachos taste extra indulgent.
5. Dipping for Veggies
Surprisingly, it works so well with crunchy vegetables. We love pairing it with celery sticks, carrots, and broccoli florets – it makes snacking way more fun.
6. Over Baked Potatoes
Next time you make baked potatoes, skip the sour cream and butter. We’ve poured beer cheese over ours and topped with a little bacon and chives – it was unbelievable.
7. With Chicken Tenders
We weren’t sure about this one at first, but dipping crispy chicken tenders into beer cheese is an absolute win. It feels like pub food at home.
8. Spread on Toasted Bread
We’ve spread leftover beer cheese on crusty bread and even bagels for a quick snack. When warm, it soaks into the bread and makes a cozy little treat.
9. With Bratwursts or Sausages
The German-inspired pairing is spot on. Grilled bratwursts topped with beer cheese and mustard taste just like something you’d find at an Oktoberfest stand.
10. As a Mac and Cheese Base
We stirred the leftover dip into cooked pasta, and it instantly transformed into a creamy, cheesy beer mac and cheese. It’s a genius way to repurpose it.
Some Tips on This Red Robin Beer Cheese Recipe
1. Measure before you start. Have all your things ready so you don’t rush while cooking.
2. Use a heavy pot. A thick pot keeps the cheese from burning on the bottom.
3. Melt butter slow. Don’t turn the heat too high, or it may burn.
4. Add milk slowly. Pour a little at a time and keep whisking so it stays smooth.
5. Pick the right beer. Use a light beer, like lager or wheat, so it doesn’t taste too strong.
6. Shred cheese fresh. Cheese melts better if you shred it yourself.
7. Cut cream cheese small. Small pieces melt faster and make the dip creamy.
8. Keep heat low. High heat can make the cheese oily or grainy.
9. Taste and test. Try a little before serving to see if it needs more salt or spice.
10. Serve warm. The dip is best when it’s hot and melty.
Storage Guide for Red Robin Beer Cheese
Store leftover beer cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often to maintain a creamy texture.
Red Robin Beer Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or cast-iron pan, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until a smooth paste forms. This mixture acts as the thickening base for your dip.
- Sprinkle in your seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne (optional). Whisk continuously to coat the butter-cornstarch base, letting the spices bloom and release their aroma for about 30 seconds.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of half and half (or a mix of milk and heavy cream). Whisk steadily while adding it in a thin stream to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a silky sauce.
- Gradually drizzle in ⅔ cup of beer, whisking constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes so the beer cooks down, leaving behind its rich flavor without bitterness. Choose a mild lager, blonde ale, or wheat beer for the best results.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 6 ounces of shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack work beautifully), followed by 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for depth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep warm over low heat and serve immediately with pretzels, fries, or breadsticks.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Red Robin Beer Cheese Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Red Robin Beer Cheese that people often ask.
1. What beer cheese does Red Robin use?
From our experience, Red Robin’s beer cheese is made with a smooth, sharp cheddar base and a mild beer that doesn’t overpower the flavor. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and has a gentle kick from spices. Our homemade version comes very close, and honestly, we think it tastes even fresher when you make it yourself.
2. How is beer cheese made?
Beer cheese is made by whisking butter and cornstarch together as a base, adding cream or half-and-half, then slowly incorporating beer and cheese until smooth. We also add spices like garlic powder, paprika, and mustard for flavor. The trick is to add the cheese gradually over low heat so the sauce stays silky.
3. What is the best beer to put in beer cheese?
We’ve tested this recipe with several beers, and the best ones are blonde ales, lagers, or wheat beers. They bring a malty flavor without too much bitterness. IPAs can work but often add a harsh aftertaste. Our favorite so far has been a smooth blonde ale – it keeps the dip rich and balanced.
4. Can I make this beer cheese without alcohol?
Yes, you can! We’ve made this recipe alcohol-free by substituting chicken or vegetable broth for the beer. It won’t have the exact same depth of flavor, but it still turns out creamy and delicious.
5. What cheeses work best for beer cheese?
We usually use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cheddar gives it that classic bold flavor, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully for extra creaminess. Gruyere or Gouda are fun to experiment with, but we recommend avoiding extra-sharp cheddar since it can make the dip gritty.
6. How do you keep beer cheese from separating?
We’ve found that keeping the heat low when melting the cheese is the key. High heat can cause the fats to separate and make the sauce oily. Stir slowly and patiently – the result will be a perfectly smooth dip.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. We’ve made it a day before and reheated it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. It thickens a bit in the fridge, but a splash of milk or cream brings it right back to its creamy consistency.
8. How long does homemade beer cheese last?
In our kitchen, it usually disappears quickly! But if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just reheat gently and it’s just as tasty.
9. What do you serve with beer cheese dip?
Our top choice is always soft pretzels or sourdough pretzels. But it’s also amazing with tortilla chips, fries, breadsticks, or even drizzled over burgers. Sometimes we even use it as a fun topping for baked potatoes.
10. Can I freeze beer cheese dip?
We don’t recommend freezing it. From our experience, the texture changes after thawing and can become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated from the fridge within a few days.
This homemade Red Robin beer cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort dip for pretzels, fries, or even as a topping for burgers. With its smooth, cheesy base and hint of beer flavor, it’s bound to be a crowd favorite.
Give this recipe a try at your next get-together, and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and save it for your next game-day spread. Once you make it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought dips again!
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!
So yummy!!
Yep!!