Pretzel Cheese Dip

This creamy pretzel cheese dip is made with sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of hot sauce for extra flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's smooth, savory, and perfect for dipping warm soft pretzels or pretzel bites.

This easy pretzel cheese dip is creamy, savory, and ready in just 15 minutes. I make it with a quick butter-and-flour roux, sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic and onion powder, and a little hot sauce for extra depth of flavor.

The key to a smooth cheese sauce is using freshly grated cheddar and melting it gently over low heat-too much heat can make cheese sauce grainy. Serve it warm with soft pretzels or pretzel bites, alongside my onion dip with caramelized onions or jalapeño artichoke dip for an easy appetizer spread.

Jump to:

• 🧀 Ingredient Notes
• 🔪 How to Make Pretzel Cheese Dip
• 👩🏼‍🍳 Tips For Smooth, Creamy Cheese Dip
• 📝 Variations
• Storage & Reheating
• 🍽 More Easy Appetizer Recipes
• Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe

🧀 Ingredient Notes

• Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce plenty of cheesy flavor. Grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which doesn't melt as smoothly.
• Milk: Whole milk makes the richest sauce, but 2% milk also works.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tang and balances the richness of the cheddar without making the dip taste strongly of mustard.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Adds savory flavor without overpowering the cheese.
• Hot sauce: Just a teaspoon adds subtle heat and acidity. Add more for a spicier dip.

🔪 How to Make Pretzel Cheese Dip

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

After the butter has melted, add the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until well combined, about 2 minutes.

Pour in the milk slowly, about ⅓ cup at a time, whisking continuously until all of the milk has been added and the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and hot sauce, and bring the mixture to a low boil.

After it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated cheddar cheese until it's fully melted and the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy. Remove from heat and serve immediately, or transfer to a crockpot/slow cooker to keep warm for a longer period of time.

👩🏼‍🍳 Tips For Smooth, Creamy Cheese Dip

• Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Keep the heat low. Once the cheddar is added, don't let the sauce boil or the cheese can become grainy.
• Add the cheese gradually. Stir until each addition melts before adding more.
• Adjust the consistency. If the dip becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk until it's as creamy as you like.
• Keep it warm for parties. Transfer the dip to a small slow cooker on the warm setting.

📝 Variations

• Beer cheese dip: Replace half of the milk with your favorite beer.
• Spicy: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
• Smoky: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
• Gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

I don't recommend freezing cheese dip because the texture can become grainy after thawing.

🍽 More Easy Appetizer Recipes

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