Making this homemade pretzel cheese dip recipe is easy and quick. To make the dip, start by creating a roux with melted butter, flour, and milk. Then, incorporate the cheese and seasonings. And voila! You have upped your snacking game to a whole new level!
Pretzel Cheese Dip For Great Snacking
Your friends and family are going to ask for this cheese dip again and again—it’s just that good! There’s something so satisfying about the smooth, creamy texture of this dip, especially when paired with the goodness of warm, salty pretzels.
And let’s talk about the flavor! This dip is packed with savory goodness, thanks to the blend of mustard, chili powder, and spices. The seasonings elevate the creaminess of the cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that complements pretzels beautifully. It’s the kind of flavor that keeps people coming back for just one more bite.
But here’s the best part: this cheese dip isn’t just for pretzels. Its creamy, indulgent taste makes it a versatile choice for all your favorite dippables—think fresh vegetables, crusty bread, or crispy chips. It’s the ultimate appetizer, perfect for any party or cozy gathering at home.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of pantry staples like cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and milk, you can have this crowd-pleaser ready in no time. No stress, no fuss—just deliciousness made easy.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a casual family night, this cheese dip is great for sharing. It’s one of those rare recipes that delight both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering. For more cheese based recipes for dips try my Rotel Sausage and Cheese Dip, Creamy Homemade Restaurant Style Queso Dip, 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip or Make Ahead Party Dips.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the ingredients that you need to gather to make the perfect pretzel cheese dip recipe.
- Cheddar Cheese: This cheese is the key ingredient of this recipe as it adds a rich savory flavor to the pretzel dip. For this recipe, I use a cup of finely shredded cheese so it melts easily.
- Butter: A tablespoon of melted butter will go a long way in adding a richer flavor and smoother texture to the dip. In the roux, the butter holds the cheese and other ingredients together.
- All-Purpose Flour: For this cheese dip recipe, you’ll need about a tablespoon of flour. I prefer all-purpose flour over bread flour because it creates a smoother and creamier consistency without overpowering the cheese flavor.
- Milk: To make the roux for your dip, you’ll need about a cup of whole milk to help the cheese melt evenly when mixed together. The milk’s subtle richness helps balance the cheese and butter flavors, making a less heavy dip.
- Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavor that balances the cheese’s richness.
- Seasonings: For this recipe, I use half a teaspoon of chili powder for that extra kick and a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Variation Ideas
Cheese sauce is a blank canvas. If you’re looking to create your own unique cheese sauce flavor, here are a few ways to do so:
- Mustard: You can change up the flavor by substituting Dijon mustard for yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or spicy brown mustard.
- Spice It Up: For heat lovers, a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce will give your cheese sauce a zesty finish. If you like hot food, add some small diced pickled jalapenos.
- Cheese: You could use white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack Cheese instead of cheddar.
How To Make The Cheese Dip
1
Melt Butter
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Take your time here; we want it nice and melted, not browned.
2
Make Roux
Once the butter is ready, add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk it together until a thick paste forms. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes, letting it cook just enough to turn a light golden color. This step helps get rid of any raw flour taste.
3
Blend In Milk
Next, grab your milk! Pour in 1 cup of milk gradually—just a little at a time—and whisk constantly to keep the mixture smooth and lump-free. Once all the milk is in, keep whisking until the sauce comes together and is velvety smooth.
Now, let’s turn up the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep whisking as it cooks for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to coat the back of your spoon.
4
Add Cheese
Time to add the best part: the cheese! Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts into a silky, cheesy goodness.
5
Add Seasonings
Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick whisk until everything is beautifully combined and your cheese sauce is perfectly seasoned.
6
Serve Warm
Serve your cheese dip warm and watch it disappear—it’s perfect for dipping pretzels, bread, or anything else you enjoy!
How To Keep Cheese Sauce Warm While Serving
You can use these methods to keep the cheese sauce warm while serving:
Bowl on warming plate: If serving at a party, you can place your cheese sauce on a heat-proof bowl on top of a warming plate at a low setting. Consider covering the bowl with foil to trap heat. Similarly, stir the cheese sauce every 15-30 minutes and add a splash of liquid when it becomes overcooked.
Crock pot slow cooker: Set the crock pot on the “warm” setting and cover with lid. To keep an even temperature, stir the cheese dip every 15-30 minutes. Add a small amount of milk or broth to loosen the sauce once it thickens too much.
Leftovers and Reheating
How To Store Leftovers
- Once the cheese dip has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- If you want to extend the life of your cheese sauce for another 2-3 months, keep your airtight container in the freezer. The texture may be slightly different after thawing, though.
Tips For Reheating Cheese Sauce
After reheating, consider adding more seasonings to adjust the taste to your preference as flavors change after storage.
Microwave: For a quick reheating option, use a microwave. Heat the cheese sauce for 15 to 30-second intervals, stirring in between to heat the sauce evenly.
​Stove Top: Reheat the cheese sauce in a pan on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of liquid like milk, broth, or cream.
Double Boiler: For gentle heating, put your cheese sauce in a bowl over simmering water on a double boiler.
Dip Recipes
⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.
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Rich And Creamy Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour, plain white or whole wheat
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Make A Roux
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.1 tablespoon butter
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk until a thick paste forms. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns slightly golden.1 tablespoon flour
Making Cheese Sauce
- Gradually pour in the milk a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue until all the milk is added and the mixture is smooth.1 cup milk
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while whisking. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the cheese sauce for a minute until all the seasonings and cheese blend together.1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, Salt and pepper to taste
- Serve the cheese dip warm.
Notes
- Once the cheese dip has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- If you want to extend the life of your cheese sauce for another 2-3 months, keep your airtight container in the freezer. The texture may be slightly different after thawing, though.
