Beer And Cheese Spread

Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 (2 lb) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle amber beer, at room temperature
• salt and pepper
• fresh thyme sprig

Recipe

• 1 beat together first 5 ingredients at low speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until blended. gradually add beer, beating until blended after each addition. beat at medium-high speed 1 minute or until blended and creamy. season with salt and pepper to taste. cover and chill 2 hours. garnish, if desired. store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
• 2 *grilled beer-cheese sandwich*: spread 1 teaspoons softened butter evenly on 1 side of 2 bread slices. place bread slices, buttered sides down, on wax paper. spread 1/4 cup beer-cheese spread onto 1 side of 1 bread slice. top with remaining bread slice, buttered side up. cook sandwich in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cheese is melted.