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A simple, classic beer cheese recipe served alongside crispy fried cauliflower bites, toast soldiers, and crunchy dark pretzels.
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Classic Beer Cheese and Fried Cauliflower Bites
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 

A simple, classic beer cheese recipe served alongside crispy fried cauliflower bites, toast soldiers, and crunchy dark pretzels. Beer cheese recipe courtesy of Pints and Plates. 

Recipe Type: Appetizer
Keyword: beer cheese
Makes: 8 servings
Author: Elizabeth Stark
Ingredients
Cauliflower Bites
  • 1 small head cauliflower, cored and cut into 1-inch florets
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, or chili powder of choice
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup canola oil, plus more as needed
Beer Cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup Miller Lite
  • 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 red chili, seeded and sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • pretzels and toast soldiers, for serving
Instructions
  1. To make cauliflower bites, sprinkle florets with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.

  2. Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Place a wire rack on a rimmed tray, and slide into oven.

  3. Lightly beat eggs in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine panko, garlic, chili powder, and remaining sea salt. Dip florets in egg, making sure floret is entirely coated, then gently press into panko, turning to coat all over. Set breaded florets on a small tray.

  4. Heat oil in a cast iron, or other large, heavy-bottomed skillet, over medium/medium-high heat. Oil should be very hot, but not smoking – adjust heat as needed. Working in batches of 5 - 6, fry cauliflower on all sides, until golden, about 1 minute per side. Remove cooked florets to prepared rack in the warm oven.
  5. To make beer cheese, melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Add flour and continuously whisk for 2 minutes. While whisking, pour milk into flour mixture and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Slowly add beer and whisk until mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes.

  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and add cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook and stir until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with cauliflower bites, pretzels, and toast soldiers. If desired, garnish with sliced chilis and chili powder.