What Is Pub Cheese?

There's nothing like a rich, cheesy dip to go with a bed of nachos on game day or for dunking pita bread or veggie sticks for a snack. If you're out grabbing some beers with your buds, you may double up on the booze with a popular dip known as "pub cheese."

It's a popular game day and tailgate dip, but it's also known to appear on sandwiches or cheese plates. Read on to find out what pub cheese is, how it's made, and how it's distinct from beer cheese.

What Is Pub Cheese?

Pub cheese is a spreadable dip made from cheese, beer, and spices. Cheddar and Gouda are frequently used in pub cheese, and the addition of cream cheese helps make it more spreadable.

Pub cheese is smooth and works nicely as a condiment to add richness to your meals. It also provides a bold flavor profile depending on which spices and seasonings you choose. You can go super spicy with hot sauce and sriracha, as well as horseradish, or keep it more mild.

What Does Pub Cheese Taste Like?

Pub cheese is typically made with a hearty dose of cheese, beer, and a medley of spices or horseradish, which adds a fiery kick and massive flavor punch. It has a creamy texture and is super versatile: You can use it as a dip, melt it over fries or nachos, or even use it as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches.

Most of the flavor comes from the cheese and beer: "A hoppy beer will produce a more bitter spread, while a pale lager won't give much flavor at all," says Jessica Formicola, Owner at Savory Experiments.

"A Cheddar will also be mild while a smoked Gouda or horseradish Cheddar will provide oodles of flavor," Formicola adds.

You can also try a vegan cheese, too. If you add vinegar and acidic ingredients, it'll be more sour, whereas using wine will make it more sweet. So, you can play around with what you add to the base. Nowadays, especially with store-bought brands, many pub cheese dips are made without beer.

You may include seasonings like garlic, herbs and onion, spices like cayenne, hot sauce or paprika, and meaty options like bacon bits for that savory feel.

What's the Difference Between Pub Cheese and Beer Cheese?

Pub cheese is a spreadable cheese made with beer, but it can also be made without beer for a suds-free recipe. On the contrary, beer cheese always contains beer. So, while both spreadable dips may be identical at times, beer cheese will always be considered a pub cheese, but not all pub cheeses will be considered a beer cheese.

"If you are looking for a healthier store-bought option, I recommend President Sharp Cheddar Pub Cheese, which skips the 'processed cheese food' and uses real cheese," says Emily Ackerman, a food blogger and founder of A Pinch Of Adventure. Or you can DIY your own at home.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Pub Cheese

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