• Source: Emeril's Table: Sports Party

The Ultimate Cheese Dip: Cheesy Beer

Get in the football spirit with this Cheesy Beer Dip. Great for a crowd!

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups dark beer
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1/4 cup minced garlic
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 3/4 cup grated Swiss cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 4 slices American cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• Soft pretzels, chips, or jerky, for serving

Instructions

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When melted, add flour and cook, stirring continuously, until roux turns golden brown and begins to smell nutty, about 3 minutes. Add beer, bring to a high simmer, and continue to cook until beer is reduced by half, 4 to 5 minutes. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes.

Add cream, thyme, and bay leaf and bring to a simmer, stirring often to prevent boiling over. Continue to simmer until sauce thickens considerably, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard thyme sprig and bay leaf.

Whisk in grated cheeses a handful at a time. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with soft pretzels, chips, and jerky.

Yield: about 1 quart