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Cheesy pretzel 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 RecipeCan You Even Have Pretzels Without a Cheesy Sauce for Dipping?!
Soft pretzels are good, but you know what’s even better? Warm, soft pretzels served with cheese dip. Now we’re talkin’. This creamy, cheesy pretzel dip is the perfect accompaniment to pretzels and other snacks. It’s made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, which means the flavor is sassy—and I mean that in the best possible way!
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 game day spread.
Pretzel 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
Nutrition
Tips for Pretzel Dip Perfection
If making a roux-based cheese sauce makes you nervous, I get it! But also: don’t worry, it’s not as hard as people make it out to be. Here are some tips to make sure it turns out perfect.
- Pour in the milk slowly. I’ll usually add a splash and whisk it in, then maybe add another splash or two, THEN start continuously (but slowly) pouring in the rest while whisking. This helps keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
- Reduce the heat. After adding the milk, turn the heat to low and scrape the bottom of the pan frequently so the sauce doesn’t scorch.
- Grate your own cheese. 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!
Variations
Not only is this pretzel dip an easy, delicious snack, but it’s one of those recipes you can put your own spin on, too.
- 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.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup of your favorite lager or ale when you whisk in the cheese for a beer cheese pretzel dip.
How to Store Pretzel Dip
Leftover pretzel 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!
More 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.
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OMG YUM. The paprika is key. This is my new favorite dip for sure
Awesome