Two years ago at one of my beer tastings, I enlisted the help of a fellow beer consultant in making some beer cheese dips for the tasting. I never imagined that they would take off like they did, with the guests now looking forward to the creations each time we have a tasting. Many guests continue to email me for the recipes.

Beer and cheese—what an amazing combination! Think about it, beer cheese spreads, dips, soups, fondue. Don't get me wrong...I like wine and cheese, but to me beer and cheese creates a gastronomic sensation. Beer and cheese share quite a few of the same characteristics in aroma and flavor. Also the carbonation in beer cleans and lifts the palate, freeing up your delicate taste buds so you may enjoy all the delectable flavors.

When pairing beer and cheese, keep in mind to refrain from overpowering one with the other. Be sure your cheese is as bold or delicate as your beer. Choose your cheese first, then your beer. Be prepared—this can be a timely process, especially with so many new breweries becoming readily available!

I have selected some cheese and beers that work well together to get you started, as well as included some of my successful recipes:

Goat cheese + wheat beers and or Hefeweizens

Havarti and/or Monterey Jack + hoppy pilsners, like Stella

Colby or Glousester + brown or nut brown ales

Creamy blue or gorgonzola + barleywines

Sharp cheddar + pale ales

Mascarpone or Brie + fruit beers

And now for the recipes!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cup hot sauce

2 tbsp hot pepper sauce

3 1/2 tbsp Belgian witbier

2 medium chicken breasts, boiled in lager and chicken broth and shredded

2 cups cheddar cheese

4 1/2 tbsp green onions, sliced

Combine all ingredients except green onions. Bake until just bubbly and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with celery sticks or tortilla chips.

Kentucky Beer Cheese Dip

2 packages cream cheese, softened

1 packet ranch dressing mix

1 cup beer (I used Kona Golden Ale)

2 cups shredded white sharp cheddar cheese

a few green onions, sliced thin (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer (you must use the mixer or else the dip will be very watery). Chill for 4 hours. Serve with crackers, pretzels or veggies. Recipe source.

Irish Blue Cheese Fondue

8 oz crumbled blue cheese

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

3/4 cup Irish lager

1/2 cup half-and-half

Coarse salt

Sliced apples, bread cubes, steamed broccoli and bell peppers, for serving

In a medium bowl toss blue cheese, flour, cayenne and dry mustard together; set aside. Place lager and half-and-half in a fondue pot over medium-high heat; stir to combine. Bring liquid to a simmer and slowly stir in cheese mixture; continue stirring until cheese is completely melted. Season with salt. Serve immediately. Recipe source.

So will you go rich and creamy or strong and stinky? Either way any combination of beer and cheese is a sure hit for any party or just another way to make your everyday celebrations better!

Nadine Sweeten, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits beer consultant – Sarasota

Follow me on Twitter @abcbeernadines