Easy Beer Cheese Dip (Obatzda)

We have your new favorite dip right here! This dip is just amazing! Obatzda, or hot beer cheese dip, is a German-style dip perfect for dipping pretzels, sliced meats, and so much more! It’s an easy cheese dip recipe made with two types of cheese and German wheat beer.

Serve it with your game day appetizers with pretzels or simply as a fun snack! It will be the hit of your next party.

Sometimes this dip may also be referred to as Obazda, Obatzter, Obatza Dip. Obatzda, Obazda, Obatzter or Obatza, we don’t care, we just want to make sure we have this easy dip at every get together because it is truly that good. Once you try it, you will quickly see why this is one of our favorite German appetizers!

Also known as obatzter, obazda, obazde or obazd’n, this German hot beer cheese dip recipe is an ooey gooey cheese spread made with very ripe Camembert, spreadable cheese, butter, onions, spices and, of course, beer. It’s a classic Bavarian beer garden dish, best enjoyed with a cold stein of Weissbeir or your own favorite brew, and a tasty Bavarian Soft Pretzels Recipe for dipping. Obatzda is easily one of our favorite cheese dip recipes!

What ingredients are in beer cheese dip?

Obatzda beer and cheese dip uses just a few easy ingredients and a tasty mix of seasonings like paprika, caraway, and chives. Here’s everything you’ll need to make beer and cheese dip:

• 6 oz Camembert cheese
• 6 oz spreadable cheese wedges 
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground caraway seeds (whole is OK if you cannot find the ground version)
• 1/4 cup German wheat beer
• salt
• pepper
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 2 Tbsp. fresh chives, finely chopped, divided

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 do you make Obatzda?

Making cheese dip for pretzels requires just 5 easy steps, so it’s no wonder it’s a favorite of German appetizers. Here’s all you need to do to make Obatzda:

1. 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.
2. Add the cheeses and butter to a mixing bowl with paprika, caraway seeds, and beer. Use a fork to mix.
3. If possible, refrigerate for a couple of hours to let flavors meld.
4. Before serving, fold in diced onion and 1 Tbsp. chives. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with remaining chives and serve with soft pretzels, fresh bread, pita chips, sliced sausages, etc. Serve dip at room temperature.

Does the alcohol cook out of beer and cheese dip?

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.

Can you freeze Obatzda?

Freezing this cheese dip recipe is not recommended, as the texture will not be the same. However, you can store it in the fridge for 2-3 days and it will last, so you can make it ahead of time for a get-together or party.

What goes well with German cheese dip?

This is the best beer cheese dip for pretzels, like a Soft Pretzel Recipe, and it can also be served with veggies, like these roasted vegetables with cheese sauce, fresh crusty bread (you could even make your own, like our sprouted grain bread), pita chips, sliced sausages, etc.

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! Also consider pairing it with Baked Crispy Potato Wedges, Potato and Chorizo Bites or Steak Foil Packs.

Finger Foods for Party

For more of the best game day recipes and easy finger foods, try these:

• Chorizo Cheese Dip with Spinach
• Easy Pepperoni Pizza Dip
• Puerto Rican Baked Empanadas (Meat Pies)
• Shrimp Shumai
• Fried Oysters Recipe
• Elote Recipe (Elotes Mexicanos)
• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Baked Buffalo Wings (with Homemade Buffalo Sauce)
• Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
• How to Make Cheese Sauce
• Puff Pastry Pizza Twists
• Philly Cheese Steak Sliders

Find more ideas like these with our Easy Seafood Appetizers, Side Dishes for BBQ, and Labor Day Recipes! And for more German recipes, try this authentic German Potato Salad recipe.

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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!

Beer Cheese Dip (Obatzda)

This creamy and flavorful beer cheese dip (also called Obatzda) is an authentic German dip perfect for dipping pretzels, sliced meats, and more.

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Comment

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, German

Keyword: beer cheese dip, cheese dip recipe, easy beer cheese dip, game day appetizers, obatzda

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 134kcal

Author: Kristen King

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
• 1/4 cup German wheat beer or beer of choise
• salt
• pepper
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 2 Tbsp. fresh chives, finely chopped, divided

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 and serve with soft pretzels, fresh bread, pita chips, sliced sausages, etc. Serve dip at room temperature.

Video

Notes

RECIPE TIPS:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 942IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg

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This post was updated August 2, 2019 with new information and republished August 6.