This gluten-free cheese dip is a creamy, smooth dip made differently than a typical cheese sauce used for vegetables or potatoes. (If you’re looking for that type of cheese sauce, see the separate recipe referenced on the original site.) This version is intended specifically for dipping—ideal for soft gluten-free breadsticks, chips, or vegetables. I developed it while testing a soft gluten-free breadstick recipe for my cookbook.
Key to this recipe is sodium citrate, which helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents a greasy, clumpy texture. After seeing sodium citrate used on food television, I experimented with that approach and adapted the proportions to create a milder, less salty dip than some published versions.
This cheese dip is great for game-day gatherings like March Madness, casual parties, or any occasion where you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dip. It pairs especially well with soft twisted gluten-free breadsticks (twisting is optional).
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Yield: Makes approximately 1 1/2 cups
An easy method for a smooth, flavorful gluten-free cheese dip without the usual melting problems.
Ingredients:
- 10 oz. cold gluten-free beer (such as Redbridge*) or water (start with 1 cup in the pan; reserve the rest if you want a thinner sauce)
- 3/4 teaspoon (7 grams) sodium citrate
- 3 1/2 cups (about 9.1 oz.) mild cheddar cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup (about 2.6 oz.) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Gluten-free hot sauce, to taste (optional)
- Gluten-free pizza sauce, for serving with breadsticks (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour only 1 cup of the cold beer (or water) into a nonstick saucepan; you can add more later if you prefer a saucier consistency.
- Combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella in a bowl and set aside.
- Stir the sodium citrate into the liquid and heat over medium until the mixture is hot and the citrate dissolves.
- Working in small batches, add a handful of the shredded cheese at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth. Continue until all cheese is incorporated.
- If you want a thinner dip, whisk in additional beer or water a little at a time. Adjust seasoning with hot sauce if desired. For a breadstick serving, you can offer pizza sauce alongside.
Tips
*Redbridge beer contains corn syrup. Avoid it if you have a corn allergy.