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Our easy Beer Cheese Dip is a German-style dip, also known as Obatzda, and it tastes amazing! Perfect for dipping pretzels, sliced meats, and so much more. There is no cooking time; simply mix, refrigerate, and serve!
Serve it at a party, and it will be a hit! Obatzda is a great choice for your favorite game day appetizers or simply as a fun snack.
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What is Obatzda?
Obatzda is a Bavarian easy cheese dip recipe made with two types of cheese and German wheat beer.
In this case, we use Camembert, spreadable cheese, butter, onions, spices and, of course, beer. It is one of our favorite German appetizers as it is so easy to make!
It’s a classic Bavarian beer garden dish, best enjoyed with a cold stein of Weissbeir or your own favorite brew. Plus, Bavarian Soft Pretzels for dipping!
You may see it referred to as Obazda, Obazde, Obazd’n, Obatzter, Obatzda, Obazda, Obatzter, or Obatza dip. Whatever you call it, you’re going to want to make sure you have this easy dip at every get-together, because it is truly so good!
Beer Cheese Dip Ingredients
Obatzda beer and cheese dip uses just a few easy ingredients and a tasty mix of seasonings like paprika, caraway, and chives.
- If you can’t find ground caraway, you can use whole caraway seeds.
- We use German wheat beer, Camembert cheese, and spreadable cheese wedges, such as Laughing Cow brand.
What is the best beer for beer cheese dip?
Traditional Obatzda calls for German wheat beer, but you could also use another type of German beer or a non-alcoholic beer if you don’t want to have alcohol in your dip!
How to Make Beer Cheese Dip
Making this cheese dip for pretzels requires just 5 easy steps! The best part is, you don’t have to cook it. Bavarian beer cheese dip is best served cold or at room temperature!
- Cut Camembert into pieces and bring to room temperature along with spreadable cheese and butter. Make sure all are very soft so they will mix together smoothly.
- Add the cheeses and butter to a mixing bowl with paprika, caraway seeds, and beer. Use a fork to mix. If possible, refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving, fold in diced onion and chives. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with remaining chives and serve with soft pretzels, fresh bread, pita chips, sliced sausages, etc. Serve dip at room temperature, and enjoy!
Does the alcohol cook out of beer and cheese dip?
It does not. Since traditional German beer cheese dip is not cooked, and is served room temperature or cold, the alcohol remains in the dip.
It is a nominal amount per serving. However, you can also use non-alcoholic beer in place of the German wheat beer for your Obatzda, if you prefer.
How to Store Cheese Dip
You can store Obatzda in the fridge for 2-3 days, so you can make it ahead of time for a get-together or party!
We do not recommend freezing it, as the texture will not hold up well.
What goes well with German cheese dip?
This is the best beer cheese dip for pretzels, like our Soft Pretzel Recipe, and it can also be served with veggies!
It’s perfect for football games, tailgating, or your own Oktoberfest party. In fact, it’s one of our favorite Oktoberfest recipes and game day snacks!
We enjoy it with roasted vegetables, fresh crusty bread, pita chips, sliced sausages, french fries, and more. Here are a few of our favorite dishes to serve it with:
- Potatoes and Chorizo
- Crispy Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Asparagus Fries
- Instant Pot French Bread
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
Finger Foods for a Party
For more of the best game day recipes and easy finger foods, try these:
- Easy Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Butter Board
- Baked Brie with Crescent Rolls
- Puerto Rican Baked Empanadas
- Shrimp Shumai
- Texas Caviar
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Baked Buffalo Wings (with Homemade Buffalo Sauce)
Find more ideas like these with our Easy Seafood Appetizers, Side Dishes for BBQ, and Labor Day Recipes!
Get more Fancy Finger Food Recipes!
And for more German recipes, try this authentic German Potato Salad!
We hope you enjoy this creamy cheese dip recipe! Let us know what you think in the comments below and with a rating. We love to hear from you!
📋 Recipe
Beer Cheese Dip (Obatzda)
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 oz. Camembert cheese
- 6 oz. spreadable cheese wedges (like Laughing Cow)
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. ground caraway seeds (optional
- ¼ cup German wheat beer or beer of choise
- salt
- pepper
- ¼ cup onion, finely diced
- 2 Tbsp. fresh chives, finely chopped, divided
See our Cooking Conversions Chart for help converting measurements!
Instructions
- Cut Camembert into pieces and bring to room temperature with spreadable cheese and butter. Make sure all are very soft so they will mix together smoothly.Add the cheeses and butter to a mixing bowl with paprika, caraway seeds, and beer. Use a fork to mix.If possible, refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow flavors to meld.Before serving, fold in diced onion and 1 Tbsp. chives. Add salt and pepper to taste.Garnish with remaining chives.
- Serve at room temperature with soft pretzels, fresh bread, pita chips, sliced sausages, etc.
Video
Notes
- NOTE: This recipe contains a nominal amount of alcohol. If you would like to make your cheese dip recipe without alcohol, try using a non-alcoholic beer in place of the German wheat beer.
- Serve your beer and cheese dip with a soft pretzel recipe, roasted vegetables, sausage, or crusty bread for dipping. This dip will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Krissy Allori says
This looks so good. I can’t wait to make it for our next football party.
Em Beitel says
Thanks so much, Krissy! We love this recipe and hope you will as much as we do!
cheflolaskitchen says
The dip looks so amazing!
Em Beitel says
Thank you so much, Lola! It is SO tasty. Especially with soft pretzels!
Ashley says
What type of of spreadable cheese do you recommend? I see ‘Laughing Cow’, but which type? Swiss, cheddar?? There are more than one type of cheese under the brand. I would assume cheddar?
Thank you!
Em Beitel says
Hi Ashley! Yes, cheddar is the perfect choice for this recipe. Thank you so much for your question and enjoy!