In a large bowl, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch mix, beer, chives, and garlic powder (start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste if desired). Stir to combine.
Cover and chill at least 30 minutes or until serving time. Garnish with more chives if desired and serve with chips, pretzels, or crackers.
Notes
Cream cheese: Three, yes three whole blocks, because the recipe makes a lot of dip. Let them come to room temperature before you start.
Dry ranch dressing mix:Make your own dry ranch seasoning, or buy the packet at the store. (Important: Buy the dressing mix packet, not the dip mix packet, which has a lot more sodium.)
Beer: You don't even need a whole bottle, so use your favorite. Lager, pilsners, and lighter beers make a slightly sweet, mild dip. Heartier beers like stout, dark lagers, porters, or schwarzbiers will make the cheese dip a little more fully-flavored. Prefer no beer? Just leave it out; the dip is still delicious without it.
Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of dip, enough for 16 servings, 1/4 cup each. Yes, it's a big batch!
Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.