Flavorful beer cheese pub spread makes a deliciously cheesy appetizer or snack for St. Patrick’s Day.

Guinness and Caramelized Onion Cheese Ball

By Sue Lau | Palatable Pastime

I am really fond of cheese balls, especially as a little nibbler with wine. And often with beer and ale as well. Some of my favs are the IPA’s, which not Irish, are definitely British in nature. So when imbibing on these with meals, having cheese can be a great part of that, as an easy appetizer.

I will say this recipe makes two large cheese balls. And that is really a party size recipe, so if you need less, cut back on the ingredient amounts accordingly.
If you are into sports gatherings, this is a nice idea for something to put out for guests. Paired with a box or two of crackers, you can get a lot of mileage out of this. If you are looking for a homemade cracker recipe, hang in there for a few days as I have one coming up with the #BreadBakers group on Tuesday.

Guinness and Caramelized Onion Cheese Ball

• Servings: 16
• Time: 30mins
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

Makes 2 cheese balls
Allow extra time for chilling

• 12 ounces finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon  sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup Guinness stout ale or other stout ale
• 7 ounces Aged White Irish Cheddar cheese (Kerrygold)
• 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese,  at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons dried snipped chives
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Method:

1. Saute onion in a nonstick skillet with  butter, garlic, sugar, salt and black pepper until  caramelized.
2. Stir in Guinness while off the heat, then return to heat and cook, stirring, until liquid reduces and  is syrupy; let cool.
3. Shred cheddar cheeses  in a food processor fitted with a shredder attachment or grate by hand.
4. Add cream cheese, chives, mustard and caramelized onions,  pulsing a few times until cheese is smooth and comes  together.
5. Form the cheese into two balls and roll  in walnuts.
6. Wrap in plastic and chill until firm, at least a few hours but I  like to chill mine a day ahead to mellow the flavors.
7. Serve cheese ball at room temperature with crackers or crudite.

From the kitchen of palatablepastime.com

Cheesy Dinner Ideas

Cheesy Appetizers and Sides

• Cheddar Sourdough Biscuits by What Smells So Good?
• Guinness and Caramelized Onion Cheese Ball by Palatable Pastime
• Irish Nachos with Beer Cheese Sauce by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

Cheesy Main Courses

• Bacon Macaroni and Cheese by Sunday Supper Movement
• Cheddar Cheese Souffle by Pies and Plots
• Cheesy Cheeseburgers by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
• Cheesy Spaghetti Stuffed Meatloaf by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes by My Fearless Kitchen
• Easy Chicken Parmesan Skillet by Jersey Girl Cooks
• Lemon Risotto with Asparagus and Zucchini by Caroline’s Cooking
• Saucy Beef and Cheese Stuffed Jumbo Shells by Hot Eats and Cool Reads
• Vegan Stuffed Shells by From the Bookshelf

The Sunday Supper Movement is committed to bringing our readers delicious recipes that encourage them to gather and eat together around the family table. Search for your favorite ingredients on our Sunday Supper website. Also check out the Sunday Supper Pinterest boards for plenty more ideas and inspiration.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.