Ultimate Game Day Cheddar Brat Cheese Dip: Your Crowd-Pleasing Wisconsin Favorite
This post brought to you by Klement’s Sausage Company. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts.
Cheddar Brat Cheese Dip – a warm, gooey cheese dip made with Klement’s cheddar brats for so much extra flavor! Game day just got better with this irresistible appetizer.
The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the unbeatable aroma of delicious food – football season is undeniably here, and for many, it’s a cherished ritual. Whether it’s college ball or the NFL, Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for watching the gridiron action unfold. And what elevates any game day experience from good to absolutely legendary? An incredible spread of food, of course! While many dishes vie for the top spot, a warm, gooey, and flavorful cheese dip consistently ranks as a fan favorite. But what if we told you there’s a way to make this classic appetizer even better, more robust, and bursting with savory goodness? The secret lies in adding brats – specifically, high-quality cheddar brats!
Elevating Your Game Day Spread with a Wisconsin Twist
Imagine a rich, creamy cheese dip infused with the savory essence of perfectly cooked bratwurst, all brought together with a hint of beer. This isn’t just any dip; it’s a celebration of flavor that’s bound to become your new game day tradition. The addition of cheddar brats introduces a hearty texture and a depth of taste that transforms a simple cheese dip into a truly unforgettable appetizer. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it packs a serious flavor punch, making every touchdown and every great play even more exciting.
You might recall when I previously shared the recipe for One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta, which proudly featured Klement’s Sausage Company products. Well, I’m thrilled to be back again, showcasing another incredible recipe that highlights the exceptional quality and flavor of Klement’s sausages. This time, our star ingredient is their delicious Cheddar Brats. Klement’s Sausage hails from the great state of Wisconsin, a place synonymous with a few iconic things: brats, cheese, and, of course, beer. It’s no coincidence that all three make a glorious appearance in this recipe!
A Taste of Wisconsin Tradition: Brats, Cheese, and Football
Growing up in Wisconsin, weekends revolved around the rhythm of football season. Saturdays were dedicated to cheering on the Badgers, while Sundays were reserved for the beloved Packers. These weren’t just games; they were community events, bringing families and friends together for spirited gatherings filled with laughter, camaraderie, and an abundance of delicious food. Whether you were lucky enough to have tickets for a pre-game tailgate party or gathered around the television at home, food and drinks were always at the heart of these football weekends. Brats, especially, are more than just a sausage in Wisconsin; they are a culinary cornerstone, a symbol of good times and cherished traditions. This dip embodies that spirit, bringing the authentic flavors of a Wisconsin tailgate right into your living room.
A true staple at most football parties across Wisconsin and beyond is, without a doubt, brats. The traditional preparation often involves boiling them in beer, sometimes with onions, before grilling them to a perfect, juicy finish. While Klement’s cheddar brats are exceptional for any tailgate or grill-out, their rich flavor and inherent cheesiness also make them an absolutely fantastic addition to this brat cheese dip. For this recipe, I diced the brats into small, bite-sized pieces and sautéed them until they achieved a wonderful crispiness and golden-brown hue. This crucial step not only enhances their flavor but also adds a fantastic textural element to the dip, making it heartier and more satisfying. The savory brat pieces intertwined with the gooey cheese create an unparalleled experience that will undoubtedly impress all your game day guests. This dip is incredibly versatile, too. You can easily keep it warm in a crock pot, making it ideal for tailgating, potlucks, or when traveling to a friend’s party. My husband, for instance, absolutely loves it served with soft pretzel bites, but it’s equally delicious with sturdy tortilla chips, your favorite crackers, or even crisp, fresh veggies for a lighter option. Don’t limit yourself to just dipping – pour this glorious concoction over a bed of tortilla chips for an ultimate nacho cheese sauce experience that takes your snack game to the next level!
The Klement’s Difference: Quality Rooted in Tradition
The story of Klement’s Sausage began over 60 years ago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From its humble beginnings, the company quickly grew, driven by an unwavering commitment to genuine old-country flavor and exceptional quality. Their cooked and smoked sausages are crafted following time-honored, old-world European recipes that have been carefully passed down through generations. Klement’s uses only the finest ingredients, resulting in a variety of robust and authentic flavors that stand out. Even after all these years, the core focus remains on producing a perfectly seasoned sausage, a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion infused into every single link. This commitment ensures that Klement’s sausages are not just delicious for your summer grilling sessions but are a delightful addition to meals and gatherings year-round. Their cheddar brats, with their creamy cheese pockets and perfectly spiced meat, are a prime example of this dedication to flavor and tradition, making them the ideal choice for our game day dip.
Crafting Your Own Cheddar Brat Cheese Dip: Simple Steps to Deliciousness
Creating this incredible Cheddar Brat Cheese Dip is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for busy game days when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The process involves a few straightforward steps that culminate in a rich, velvety, and irresistibly savory dip. Start by dicing your Klement’s cheddar brats and sautéing them until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crispy. This step renders out some fat, enhancing the flavor of the brats and providing a flavorful base for the roux. A little garlic is then added for an aromatic kick. Next, a simple roux is created with flour and the flavorful pan drippings, which then forms the base of our cheesy sauce when combined with beer. The beer not only adds a characteristic Wisconsin touch but also a subtle depth of flavor that complements the brats and cheese beautifully. Finally, cream cheese and generous handfuls of shredded cheddar are melted in, creating that signature gooey texture. A touch of Dijon mustard brightens the flavors, and the cooked brats are folded back in, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor.
This dip is not just a snack; it’s a statement piece for your football party spread. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry fans but so incredibly delicious that everyone will want the recipe. So, whether you’re hosting a large crowd or enjoying a cozy game night at home, this Cheddar Brat Cheese Dip featuring Klement’s Sausages is guaranteed to be a winning play!
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Cheddar Brat Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 4 cheddar brats
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 12 oz bottle of beer
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Dice cheddar brats into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, saute brats over medium high heat until starting to get crisp and brown. Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from pan.
- Stir flour into grease in pan, add additional olive oil if necessary (need about 2 Tbls total). Whisk flour until golden brown. Slowly whisk in beer until smooth.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add mustard.
- Add cheese in handfuls, mixing until melted.
- Add brats back to the pan, mixing to combine.
- Serve immediately with chips or pretzel bites
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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