Widmer Brothers Beer Cheese: A Celebration of Craft and Comfort

There are some flavors that just feel like home, like a warm hug on a chilly evening. For me, Widmer Brothers Beer Cheese is one of those dishes. I first encountered a version of this delightful concoction at a brewery event years ago, and it was an immediate revelation. The rich, savory depth, the subtle tang from the beer, the sheer indulgence of it all – it was a symphony of comfort that perfectly captured the spirit of good beer and good company. While the exact recipe I tasted isn’t this one, the essence is there, promising a batch that’s as generous as it is delicious, perfect for sharing (or not!).

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: At least 4 hours (for beer to go flat)
• Cook Time: No cook time required for preparation, chilling time is key.
• Total Time: At least 4 hours (primarily chilling time)
• Servings: Approximately 16-20 (depending on portion size)
• Yield: 4 1/2 pounds beer cheese
• Dietary Type: Dairy

Ingredients

This recipe yields a substantial amount of beer cheese, perfect for a gathering or for ensuring you have plenty of this delectable spread on hand.

• 2 1⁄2 cups Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen beer (crucially, this needs to be flat)
• 3 lbs grated Tillamook cheddar cheese
• 1 lb grated cheese, of your choice (Monterey Jack is a fantastic and recommended option for its meltability and mild flavor)
• 3⁄4 lb cream cheese, softened
• 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• 1⁄2 medium onion (about 3⁄4 cup finely minced)
• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 cup mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer with a paddle attachment
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater
• Spatula
• Airtight containers for storage

Instructions

The magic of this Widmer Brothers Beer Cheese lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. The key is allowing the beer to lose its carbonation, which ensures a smooth, cohesive texture without unwanted aeration.

1. Prepare the Beer: At least four hours before you plan to make the beer cheese, open up the bottle of Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen beer. Pour it into a glass, and then allow it to go flat. This step is non-negotiable; the flat beer is essential for achieving the correct consistency. You can cover the glass loosely to prevent airborne contaminants, but the goal is to let all the fizz dissipate.

2. Combine the Cheeses and Aromatics: Later, in a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Tillamook cheddar cheese, grated Monterey Jack cheese (or your chosen cheese), softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, finely minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and kosher salt.

3. Mix Thoroughly: Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and begin to form a cohesive mass. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

4. Gradually Add the Beer: With the mixer still running on a low to medium speed, gradually and slowly add the flattened Hefeweizen beer. Continue to mix until it is entirely incorporated into the cheese mixture. The batter will transform into a smooth, spreadable consistency.

5. Chill and Serve: Once everything is fully incorporated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the beer cheese to airtight containers. Chill the beer cheese in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up, making it easier to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Crafting the perfect beer cheese is all about attention to detail and understanding how the ingredients interact. Here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours:

• The Power of Flat Beer: I cannot stress this enough – ensure your beer is truly flat. If you’re short on time, you can gently stir the beer to help it lose its fizz, but it’s best to let it sit for the recommended four hours.
• Cheese Quality Matters: Using high-quality, full-fat cheeses will make a significant difference in the final flavor and texture. Tillamook is a fantastic choice, known for its excellent melt and flavor profile. Don’t skimp here!
• Onion Fineness: The finer you mince the onion, the less noticeable its texture will be in the final product, allowing its flavor to integrate more smoothly. A food processor can help achieve a very fine mince if you’re making a large batch.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This will prevent lumps and ensure a uniformly smooth mixture. You can leave it out on the counter for an hour or two, or gently soften it in the microwave in short bursts (be careful not to melt it).
• Taste and Adjust (Carefully): While this recipe is precise, once it’s mixed, you can taste a small amount. If you prefer a sharper cheddar flavor, you could add a bit more grated cheddar. If you want a touch more tang, a tiny splash more Worcestershire could be considered, but proceed with caution not to overpower the delicate balance.
• Make Ahead Mastery: This beer cheese is a perfect make-ahead appetizer. It actually improves with a bit of resting time. Prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This rich and savory Widmer Brothers Beer Cheese is incredibly versatile. It’s a star on any cheese board, paired with a variety of dippers.

For serving, I love to present it in a charming crock or a rustic bowl, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or a few toasted sesame seeds for visual appeal. It’s wonderfully complemented by hearty crackers, crusty bread, pretzels, and an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, and broccoli florets. A crisp apple or pear can also offer a delightful sweet counterpoint to the savory cheese.

When it comes to storage, this beer cheese keeps exceptionally well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It will firm up considerably when chilled. If you plan to use it after refrigeration, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften and become more spreadable. While it can be frozen, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value
Calories	1979.3
Calories from Fat	1419 g	72%
Total Fat	157.7 g	242%
Saturated Fat	98.4 g	491%
Cholesterol	474.6 mg	158%
Sodium	4955.7 mg	206%
Total Carbohydrate	26.9 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	4.5 g	18%
Protein	106.7 g	213%

Variations & Substitutions

While this Widmer Brothers Beer Cheese recipe is truly superb as is, the beauty of a foundational recipe is its potential for adaptation.

• Beer Choices: While Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen is specifically called for, and it imparts a delightful fruity and bready note, you could experiment with other mild, less hoppy beers. A good quality lager or even a pale ale could work, but avoid anything too bitter or overly flavored that might clash with the cheese.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely minced jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat) along with the onion.
• Herbal Notes: Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped, can be stirred in at the very end of mixing or used as a garnish for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Smoky Undertones: A touch of smoked paprika can add a lovely smoky depth to the cheese. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your liking.
• Nutty Additions: For an interesting textural contrast, you could gently fold in some toasted pecans or walnuts just before chilling.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why does the beer need to be flat for this recipe?
A: Flat beer is crucial because the carbonation in beer can make the cheese mixture aerated and prevent it from achieving a smooth, dense, and spreadable consistency.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the beer cheese. For the best results, it’s highly recommended to grate your cheese from blocks.

Q: How long does the beer cheese last?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this beer cheese will last for up to a week.

Q: Can I make this recipe without the blue cheese?
A: Yes, if you’re not a fan of blue cheese or have guests who aren’t, you can omit it entirely. The recipe will still be delicious, with a more straightforward cheddar-forward flavor.

Q: What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
A: The easiest way is to leave it at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before you plan to use it. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut it into smaller cubes and microwave it in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until just softened, not melted.

Final Thoughts

This Widmer Brothers Beer Cheese is more than just an appetizer; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and connect. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a casual get-together into a memorable occasion, effortlessly bridging the gap between craft beer appreciation and comforting culinary tradition. So, gather your friends, pop open that bottle of Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen (and let it rest!), and get ready to create a spread that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple at your next gathering!