Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheese Dip for Pretzels is creamy, rich, and perfect for pairing with warm, soft pretzels. Made with real cheese and a blend of flavorful seasonings, it’s the ultimate comfort snack for game days, parties, or cozy nights in. Its smooth texture and sharp cheesy taste make it a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to dip into again and again.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
butterall-purpose flourwhole milkcheddar cheesecolby jack cheesegarlic powderonion powderpaprikasaltblack pepper
directions
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and colby jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Adjust seasonings to taste and serve warm with soft pretzels.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 2 cups of cheese dip.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes
Variations
Use beer instead of milk for a beer cheese dip.
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Stir in cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
Use a mix of cream cheese and sharp cheddar for extra creaminess.
storage/reheating
Store leftover cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring often.Add a splash of milk to help restore creaminess when reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day or two in advance.
What cheeses melt best for dip?
Cheddar, Colby Jack, and Gouda melt smoothly and are great for dips.
Can I freeze cheese dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change once thawed.
How can I make it thinner?
Add more milk a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese is best, as pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour substitute to make it gluten-free.
What pretzels go best with this dip?
Soft baked pretzels are ideal, but crunchy pretzel sticks work too.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, after the roux is made, transfer everything to a slow cooker on low to keep warm.
Does it need to be stirred while heating?
Yes, frequent stirring ensures it stays smooth and doesn’t scorch.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, though it may slightly affect the flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Cheese Dip for Pretzels is the ultimate snack pairing, combining velvety smooth cheese with the salty, chewy bite of pretzels. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a warm, savory addition to any spread. Whether you’re hosting or simply snacking, this dip is guaranteed to satisfy.
PrintCheese Dip for Pretzels
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups (Serves 4–6)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This smooth and creamy cheese dip is perfect for dipping pretzels! Made with real cheese and a few pantry staples, it comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop. Great for parties, game days, or a cozy snack night.
Ingredients
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
1 cup whole milk (warm)
-
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
-
Salt, to taste
-
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
-
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it starts to bubble and smell slightly nutty.
-
Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
-
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
-
Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
-
Mix in garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Remove from heat and serve warm with soft pretzels.
Notes
-
For a spicier version, stir in a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños.
-
Swap cheddar for a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
-
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *