Cheddar Beer Fondue
This Cheddar Beer Fondue delivers deep savory flavor, a silky-smooth melt, and a bold, malty backbone from beer—perfect for game nights, parties, or cozy gatherings. Using sharp Cheddar + lager or ale ensures intensity without bitterness.
π Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 cup beer (lager, pale ale, or amber ale; avoid IPAs)
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1 clove garlic, halved
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
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¼ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp dry mustard powder (optional but recommended)
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Salt, if needed
π©π³ Instructions
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Prepare the pot
Rub the inside of a heavy saucepan with the cut garlic clove. Discard garlic. -
Heat the beer
Add beer and warm over medium heat until steaming—do not boil. -
Coat the cheese
Toss grated Cheddar with cornstarch until evenly coated. -
Melt the cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly in a slow figure-eight motion. Allow each addition to melt fully before adding more. -
Season and balance
Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and black pepper. Taste and adjust salt if needed. -
Serve hot
Transfer to a fondue pot or keep warm on very low heat.
π₯ Perfect Dippers
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Soft pretzels or pretzel bites
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Crusty sourdough or rye bread
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Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts
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Sausages (bratwurst, kielbasa)
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Roasted potatoes or potato wedges
π₯ Pro Tips for Perfect Fondue
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Grate your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that cause graininess
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Avoid IPAs—too bitter when heated
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If fondue thickens, whisk in warm beer 1 tbsp at a time
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Keep heat low and steady at all times
π§ Flavor Variations
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Irish Pub Style: Use Irish Cheddar + stout
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Smoky Ale Fondue: Add ½ tsp liquid smoke or smoked Cheddar
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Spicy Beer Cheese: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeΓ±os
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Extra Creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese at the end
π§ Make-Ahead & Reheating
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Refrigerate up to 3 days
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Reheat gently over low heat, whisking continuously
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Add a splash of warm beer or milk to loosen
π§Ύ Nutrition Snapshot (Approx.)
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Calories: ~310 per serving
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Protein: 14 g
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Fat: 24 g
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Carbs: 6 g
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
- Dash cayenne pepper (or add a dash of hot sauce to the melted mixture)
- 3/4 cup beer
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce




