Pretzel cheese dip is a must if you’re baking up a batch of hot pretzels! Supremely cheesy and oh-so-easy, it’s also delicious as a cheese fondue.
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Pin RecipeSoft pretzels are good, but you know what’s even better? Warm, soft pretzels served with pretzel cheese dip. Now we’re talkin’. This homemade recipe is even better than Auntie Anne’s!
This creamy, cheesy dip is the perfect accompaniment to pretzels and other snacks. It’s made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and milk, meaning it has a rich and cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with freshly baked pretzels.
You can also mix in some herbs, spices, Worcestershire sauce, or a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard to adjust the flavor of your dip.
And when it comes to game day snacks? Pretzel cheese dip is always a hit! Serve it alongside soft pretzel bites and other party crowd-pleasers like pigs-in-a-blanket and jalapeño poppers (and your favorite beer!) for a winning spread.
Warm Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe
Not only is this pretzel cheese dip an easy, delicious snack, but it’s one of those recipes you can put your own spin on, too. Looking for a spicy cheese dip for pretzels? Just add some jalapeños or Hatch chiles for a spicy kick. Or, try mixing some bacon bits into your pretzel cheese sauce for a smoky flavor. You can also use different types of cheese to create the perfect dip. The possibilities are endless—just keep the proportions of the cheese and milk the same, and you’ll be good to go.
Now, let’s talk about the pretzels. You can make your own pretzels with yeast dough (my recipe for pretzel bites is amazing!), buy them at a bakery, or simply get a box of frozen soft pretzels from the grocery store. A bag of crunchy pretzels works, too. However, soft pretzels are best, because they have more room for holding all that cheesy goodness!
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Ingredients
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Unsalted butter– If you use salted butter, simply add less salt to the recipe.
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk – Whole milk is necessary for a creamy, rich sauce.
- Garlic powder – You can also use half the amount of garlic powder, and use onion powder for the rest.
- Smoked paprika – Smoked paprika adds the best smoky flavor to this pretzel cheese dip. It’s a must!
- Kosher salt
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Another must is freshly shredded cheese, not the kind you buy in a bag.
- Soft pretzels – Salted or unsalted pretzels are both delicious with this easy cheese dip recipe! Bourbon pretzels are a fun way to add extra flavor, too!
Variations
- Stir crumbled cooked bacon into the dip just before serving.
- Use half cheddar and half another type of cheese like Swiss cheese, gruyère cheese, or havarti. Pretzel cheese dip Velveeta style is also delicious and super creamy.
- Add a dash (or several) of your favorite hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- To make a tasty pretzel cheese dip with beer, simply whisk in 1/4 cup of your favorite lager or ale when you whisk in the cheese. This adds a great layer of flavor and may just help create the best pretzel cheese dip recipe ever!
How to Make Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Melt the butter: In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the butter, and whisk to incorporate.
- Pour in the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Turn the heat to low, and cook until the milk has thickened slightly, scraping the bottom frequently so it doesn’t scorch.
- Finish: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Then, stir in the garlic, paprika, salt, and cheese. Transfer the cheese sauce to a bowl, and serve warm with pretzels.
Quick Tip
To keep the dip warm longer, you can transfer it to a small crock pot, and leave it on the keep warm setting. Or, use a fondue pot!
Quick Tip
Store-bought grated cheese has an anti-caking agent added to it to keep it from sticking. This also means it won’t melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese. It’s so worth the time to shred your own!
How to Store Pretzel Cheese Dip
Leftover pretzel cheese dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. The creamy cheese dip will be just as good as the day it was made!
Serving Suggestions
Pretzel cheese dip is perfect for serving with pretzels and other crunchy dippers like tortilla chips, vegetables, or crackers. It’s also great as a spread on sandwiches and burgers.
If you love going to the Melting Pot, you can do cheese fondue night at home with this easy dip recipe and an assortment of cubed French bread, sourdough, apples, cauliflower pieces, etc.
FAQs
The best thing to dip pretzels in is a creamy, cheesy dip like our pretzel cheese dip. It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with pretzels!
Pretzel cheese dip is made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, butter, flour, milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. It’s simple to make and can be customized however you like!
Soft pretzels go great with a side of pretzel cheese dip. Or, you can serve them as part of a meal with salads or soup, like our Butternut Squash Soup or Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Yes, Germans enjoy pretzels with cheese. One popular German snack is the Käse Brezel, which consists of a pretzel topped with melted cheese and sometimes even other toppings like bacon or onions.
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Pretzel Cheese Dip
Equipment
- Skillet
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
To Serve:
- Soft-baked pretzels
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the butter and heat until completely melted.2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- Sprinkle the flour over the top and whisk until incorporated, breaking up any lumps that may have formed.2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- Slowly pour in the milk in a steady stream while whisking. Turn the heat down to low and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, scraping the bottom frequently so it doesn’t scorch.1 ¼ cup whole milk
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove from the heat and add the garlic, paprika, salt, and cheese. Stir together with a spatula until everything is combined and the cheese is completely melted. Transfer to a bowl and serve while still warm.½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, Soft-baked pretzels
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