Whether for game day, after school snack, or an appetizer, this easy Pretzel Cheese Dip is so simple and so good. Plus, when you serve it alongside quick and easy homemade soft pretzel bites, it’s such a delicious combination!
I grew up near Philadelphia, so soft pretzels were a staple food in my childhood. And while I can’t easily buy the real thing where I live now, I have been obsessed with making them at home with the seriously easy bake-at-home kits from King Arthur Baking.
The instructions are so clear, the ingredients so straightforward, and the process is so easy! Plus, the flavor is great…they taste just like soft pretzel bites are supposed to.
We love to eat the soft pretzels on their own and we especially love them dipped into this easy Cheese Dip for pretzels. It comes together in less than 5 minutes and is cheesy and delicious. It’s a fun snack or appetizer to share with the kids!
(You may also like Cauliflower Cheese Sauce, Yogurt Dip for Fruit, and Cottage Cheese Dip.)
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Pretzel Cheese Dip so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Butter: I keep unsalted butter in my kitchen so that’s what I use here to get the sauce started. Salted butter also works just fine.
- Flour: A little all purpose flour helps to thicken the sauce. I love using the one from King Arthur Flour.
- Milk: I prefer using whole milk in this recipe, but a lower fat milk would also work.
- Cheddar cheese: Plan to grate cheddar cheese, either yellow or white, on a hand held grater or box grater to ensure it melts into the milk mixture easily. You can use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor or a mild cheddar cheese to make the flavor a little milder.
- Salt: We add a little salt to the cheese dip for pretzels to ensure that all of the flavors come out and shine through.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Pretzel Cheese Dip so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Grate the cheese using a handheld grater or a box grater.
Step 2. Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat. Quickly whisk in the flour to make a smooth mixture.
Step 3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continually, until you see bubbles around the edges.
Step 4. Stir in the cheese and salt and whisk until the cheese melts into a thick sauce. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dip is excellent with the Soft & Chewy Pretzel Bites Mix Kit from King Arthur Baking Company. You can also serve with thin pretzel sticks, too.
Yes, though plan to heat it slowly so you can stop to stir as it warms. And if it is still very thick after warming, stir in a little milk to help.
I prefer to use sharp cheddar cheese so the dip is extra flavorful, though you can use any type of cheddar cheese you prefer.
How to Store
Store leftover Pretzel Cheese Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm in a heat-safe bowl in 15 second increments in the microwave, stirring as you go. Or, reheat on the stove in a small pot over low heat.
Best Tips for Success
- Expect the sauce to thicken as it cools.
- Serve with soft pretzels, pretzel sticks, or another favorite pretzel option.
- Use yellow or white cheddar cheese grated on a box grater or handheld grater.
- Use a gluten-free all purpose flour to make this cheese sauce gluten-free.
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Add the butter to a small pot over low heat. When melted, quickly whisk in the flour to make a smooth mixture. (It will resemble a paste.)
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Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continually, to make a smooth consistency. Whisk while the milk mixture heats up until you see bubbles around the edges. Simmer for about two minutes, or until you can see that the milk has thickened.
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Remove the pot from the heat.
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Stir in the cheese and salt and whisk until the cheese melts into a thick sauce.
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Serve warm with prepared soft pretzels.
- Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm in a heat-safe bowl in 15 second increments in the microwave, stirring as you go. Or, reheat on the stove in a small pot over low heat.
- Expect the sauce to thicken as it cools.
- Serve with soft pretzels, pretzel sticks, or another favorite pretzel option.
- Use yellow or white cheddar cheese grated on a box grater or handheld grater.
- Use a gluten-free all purpose flour to make this cheese sauce gluten-free.
Calories: 92kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 250mg, Potassium: 58mg, Fiber: 0.03g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 235IU, Calcium: 138mg, Iron: 0.1mg