Pretzel Cheese Dip (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe!)

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Make your own creamy and mouth-watering Pretzel Cheese Dip with only 4 simple ingredients. This dip should come with a warning because once you try it, you’ll want to dip everything in it!

Overhead close up of pretzel dipped in cheese sauce.

Pre-made cheese dips can have an ingredient list a mile long, but there’s nothing better to dip soft pretzels in than a warm creamy cheesy sauce.

Luckily, I have a homemade version you can easily make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With only four ingredients, you will have a creamy cheese dip in under 15 minutes.

While it’s the perfect pretzel dipping sauce, I love the versatility of this cheese dip. Add it to your Game Day Charcuterie Board or serve alongside fresh vegetables and crackers.

Plus, if you want to switch it up, I have three other flavor variations to put a creative spin on this dip that will keep everyone happy.

So grab a saucepan and whip up this ooey, gooey, creamy, cheesy dip that will knock everyone’s socks off and have you licking the bowl clean.

Ingredients for pretzel cheese dip on counter.

Pretzel cheese dip ingredients

Whole Milk – I like to use whole milk since it makes the sauce creamier and richer. You can substitute 2{44affb6c5789133b77de981cb308c1480316fee51f5fd5f1575b130f48379a33} milk for a lighter version or half and half for an extra creamy cheese dip.
Unsalted Butter – You can also use salted butter but make sure to add less salt to avoid the cheese being too salty.
Flour – This acts as a thickening agent for the sauce. Use all-purpose flour or substitute with a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour for gluten-free cheese dip!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese – For classic cheese dip, stick with sharp cheddar. To switch up the flavor try substituting some with monetery jack, pepper jack cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
Salt & Pepper

How to make it

In a small saucepan, warm milk over medium heat until small bubbles begin to appear.

While the milk is warming, melt the butter in another pan over medium heat. Add flour to the butter while continuously whisking until the mixture is lightly browned. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes.

Slowly pour the warmed milk into the butter-flour mixture. Make sure to constantly whisk while adding the milk. Cook the mixture until it thickens, then add the cheese and stir until the dip becomes smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste (and other ingredients if making one of the variations below).

Pretzel cheese dip in saucepan with rubber spatula.

Variations for this cheese dip

To change up the flavor, try these three other variations for new fun pretzel cheese dip flavors! Just add the ingredients after you’ve added the cheese in the last step of the recipe, stir, and serve!

Nacho cheese dip

Add a little spice by making this nacho cheese dip by adding:

1 seeded and diced jalapeno pepper
2 tablespoons of hot sauce
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Mustard cheese dip

For a little extra tang, add:

1 tablespoon of yellow mustard

Horseradish cheese dip

Add some zing to this pretzel dip with:

1 tablespoon of horseradish

Small bowl of cheese dip surrounded by soft pretzels.

Other ways to serve pretzel cheese dip

You can eat this cheese dip with almost anything, not just soft pretzels. If we’re talking parties, you could even use it as a cheese fondue! To keep it warm for a party, just serve it in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting, frequently stirring to avoid burning.

While just about anything tastes amazing slathered in this rich and creamy dip, here are some possibilities:

How to meal prep, store, and reheat this recipe

Save time by pre-shredding your cheese and storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make it.

You can make this dip ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

To Reheat your cheese dip, place it in a saucepan on a stovetop over low heat, stir the sauce constantly until it warms through and becomes smooth again. You can also reheat it in a microwave, stirring every 20-30 seconds.

Recipe FAQs

What condiment is often served with soft pretzels?

Aside from this pretzel cheese dip, you can also enjoy soft pretzels with hummus, mustard, or beer cheese dip.

What do you put on top of a pretzel?

The classic pretzel topping is coarse sea salt, but other delicious toppings include parmesan cheese, a garlic herb mixture, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet and salty treat.

How do you make cheddar cheese dip?

Add flour to butter that’s been melted over medium heat. Whisk it until the flour is lightly browned, careful not to burn. Slowly pour the warmed milk into the mixture and whisk until the mixture is thickened, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the dip becomes smooth.

Pretzels on serving platter next to cheese dip, and glass of beer.

Did you try this pretzel dip?

If you loved this pretzel cheese dip I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

More appetizer recipes

If you loved this cheese dip, you’ll love these other delicious appetizer recipes:

2 1/4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
Salt + pepper to taste

Nacho Cheese Dip

Cheese Dip (recipe above)
1 jalapeno (ribs & seeds removed, diced )
2 Tablespoons hot sauce
1 teaspooon cayenne

Mustard Cheese Dip

Cheese Dip (recipe above)
1 Tablespoon mustard

Horseradish Cheese Dip

Cheese Dip (recipe above)
2 Tablespoons horseradish

Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form on the top.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in another saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
Add the warm milk to the flour butter mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

You can make this dip ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
To Reheat: Place it in a saucepan on a stovetop over low heat, stir the sauce constantly until it warms through and becomes smooth again. You can also reheat it in a microwave, stirring every 20-30 seconds.