Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip

Pumpkin puree adds a fall twist to this classic beer cheese dip recipe. I created this recipe for my client, GO VEGGIE, so it has the added bonus of being lactose free! 

There’s a brew pub here in town that makes awesome beer cheese dip that they serve with buttery pretzels. We order it every time we go, without fail. And, without fail, I always eat too much and regret it. My stomach + massive amounts of melted cheese = a terrible idea.

One Sunday I was watching football and started craving a warm snack when that beer cheese dip came to mind. I immediately decided to make a lactose free version, using GO VEGGIE cheddar shreds. And since October is time to “pumpkin all the things” I decided to add some of that for good measure. The result is a bowl of creamy, cheesy deliciousness with a hint of fall flavor that’s perfect for your next tailgating party.

My favorite dippers are cubes of rye bread and apple slices, but it’s also really great on pretzel crisps and celery.

I use GO VEGGIE’s lactose free cheddar shreds in my favorite mac and cheese recipe, so I knew I’d have no problem coaxing them into a rich, creamy dip. In addition to eliminating the lactose in this game day favorite, using GO VEGGIE means this pumpkin beer cheese dip has less saturated fat and more calcium as traditional beer cheese dip. Adding pumpkin sneaks even more nutrition into every bite!

The key is to start by making a roux – a thick paste made from flour and oil that helps thicken the dip and keeps it nice and smooth. Whisk the beer into the roux and then slooooooowly add the cheese bit by bit, letting each addition fully melt before adding more. Just like with regular cheese, if you add it all at once it will melt together into a big greasy blob instead of incorporating smoothly into the liquid. Slow and steady is key.

Once the cheese is melted into a luscious sauce, stir in the pumpkin, some mustard powder, and salt and pepper. I also like to add a little bit of jalapeno for an added kick, but those are totally optional.

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Dip

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup (8 ounces) lager style beer
• 1 1/2 cups GO VEGGIE lactose free cheddar shreds
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• salt and pepper, to taste
• Bread cubes, apples, celery, etc for dipping

Instructions

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan set over low heat. Add the jalapeno, if using, and cook 3-4 minutes, until just softened. Whisk in the flour to form a thick paste; cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the beer; bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Slowly whisk in the cheese a little at a time, allowing it to fully melt before adding more. When all of the cheese has melted, stir in the pumpkin puree and mustard powder. Cook until heated throughout. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Information

Amount Per ServingCalories 150 Total Fat 9g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 152mg Fiber 1g Sugar 1g Protein 7g