Ingredients
(Serves 8–10 | Total time: 25 minutes)
The Heart:
• 1 lb hot or mild Italian sausage (casings removed if links)
• 1 cup lager or pale ale (like Pilsner or Budweiser; avoid hoppy IPAs)
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup whole-milk mozzarella, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
The Soul:
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
(Equipment: Large skillet, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Crisp the sausage
→ In skillet over medium heat, cook sausage 6–8 minutes, breaking into small crumbles with spoon.
→ Transfer to paper towel-lined plate (reserve 1 tsp fat in skillet for flavor if desired). Do not drain completely—those crispy bits are gold.
2. Build the base
