Recommended Equipment & Ingredients*
- Melt the butter in a pan
- Add the flour, stir together and cook for a couple of minutes
- Add the milk slowly, whisking well between each addition to avoid creating lumps. Once all added, bring to a medium heat and keep stirring constantly until the mixture thickens
- Remove from the heat, add the cheese and stir in. Serve immediately
If you want to make sweet pretzels!
- Follow the instructions to make the pretzels. Brush with egg and bake, do not add the salt or sesame seeds
- Mix the caster sugar and cinnamon together
- When you take the pretzels out of the oven, brush them with the melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over them
- Dip in warm Nutella if desired
How Do You Shape Pretzels
The dough for these homemade pretzels is fairly dense and a tad bit salty. You will mix the ingredients and let the dough rise once.
The original recipe says you get 12 pretzels but I divided it into 9 pieces and made fairly large ones. Each section of dough is rolled into a 20-inch rope before being shaped into the traditional pretzel shape.
Make a U shape, draw the ends back down towards you, leaving two loops at the top, twist, and press the ends into the bottom of the pretzel as shown.
I have seen videos of people doing this where they are practically throwing the dough up in the air and twirling it around but I am nowhere near that skilled!
Beer Cheese Dip For Pretzels
Homemade pretzels are incomplete without a pub-style cheese dip to dunk into. This beer cheese dip is so creamy and delicious that it will make every bite of homemade soft pretzels even more delicious.
I know you saw a glimpse of this cheese dip yesterday when I shared Soft Pretzels recipe. I decided to share Cheese Dip in separate post because this dip can also be served without pretzels. You can serve it baked soft potato wedges, tortilla chips, or add it over a rustic spinach artichoke pizza.
So I thought, for the versatility of this cheesy dip…. it sure needed a separate spot in my recipe cabinet. What do you say?
That being said, beer Cheese Sauce or dip is a classic pub-style accompaniment to soft pretzels.
What I like the best? How easy it is to make Beer Cheese Sauce. It may sound complicated but really it is 10 minute recipe. Super easy!
I told you yesterday, pretzels take 10 minutes to bake in oven.. remember? My friends, by the time pretzels are out of the oven, the bubbling hot cheese sauce is ready to serve.
Honestly, it can’t get easier than this. You can make cheese sauce up-to a day in advance too. It will still need 1-2 minute to dilute before serving as it gets thicker as it sits in refrigerator. What I suggest? Make fresh, you guys! Just 10 minutes is all it needs.
If you don’t like beer, this cheese dip tastes good even without it. If not adding beer, add some extra liquid to adjust the thickness of sauce.
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Baking Soda Vs Lye In Baked Pretzels
- Some pretzel recipes will have you use lye to soak the pretzels in. Giving the pretzels a wee bath in lye helps to speed up the Maillard reaction, which gives the pretzels that lovely brown colour and chew. However, lye is caustic and scary, so I used something a little less alkaline but still very effective – baked baking soda. Baking soda is moderately alkaline, but baking it produces sodium carbonate, which is slightly more alkaline, so therefore perfect for dipping your pretzels without having to worry about the safety risk of using Lye. Yay chemistry!
- To make baked baking soda: Line a sheet pan with foil, and spread 1 cup of baking soda evenly over it. Bake at 250f / 121c for one hour, then transfer to an airtight container. This will be enough for four batches of pretzels – you use ¼ cup at a time.
Tips For Making Soft Pretzel Dip Sauce:
- This cheese sauce uses flour to thicken, keep the temp lower and stir often so it doesnt get grainy.
- I suggest a lager, but a light beer, a stout beer, an Ale Beer or an IPA beer will work. The lighter beers go great with vegetables and mild breads. If you use a stout or dark beer they pair really well with the strong flavors of the pretzel and more filling breads like rye bread.
- Make this pretzel sauce ahead of time, it keeps in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days and just warm it up to save even more time.
- Serve this with homemade pretzels, crackers, soft pretzels, tortilla chips, vegetables or as a sandwich spread.
- This pretzel dip doesnt freeze well, the texture changes too much and it becomes clumpy and grainy.
- Having a party and want to keep it warm. Use a mini crock pot like the ones I use here to serve directly from so it keeps it warm for a long time!
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Make Cheese Dipping Sauce For Pretzels
It is better than anything store bought and super easy to make. You can make a ton for a fraction of the price of the grocery store.
You most definitely will save money compared to buying those small containers of cheese sauce at the pretzel store.
Give it a try and let us know how it turned out. I think you and your family will really enjoy it.
How To Make Beer Cheese Dip
This cheesy appetizer is as easy as 1, 2, 3 and will probably be enjoyed just as quickly! This starts with a roux to make a thick sauce.
Tip: Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses have additives that keeps it from sticking in the bag so it may not melt nicely.
Also Check: How Do You Make Mac And Cheese From Scratch
Does Beer Cheese Have Beer In It Yes It Does
The beer cheese is an amazing addition to this snack. It really is a great blend between the beer and cheddar flavors. I seriously wanted to just lick the bowl clean when I was done eating! The beer cheese was inspired by a recipe on the Williams Sonoma website, although I changed it a little bit.
Essentially, you are just making a cheese sauce and replacing some of the milk for beer, and adding some mustard.
If you are looking for Oktoberfest recipes, this one will certainly wow your family and friends. And if its no longer October? Make them anyhow! You will not be sorry!
A Note On Salt And Oven Temperature
It is important to note the type of salt that is called for in a recipe. I use Diamond Crystal salt throughout my recipes – if you use a different sort of kosher salt or regular table salt you will need to adjust accordingly as some salt is ‘saltier’ than others. Morton’s salt is twice as salty, so you will need half the quantity. Same goes for a regular table salt. I am working to get gram measurements throughout my recipes for salt but still getting there.
All oven temperatures are conventional unless otherwise stated. If you are baking on fan / convection, you will need to adjust the temperature. An oven thermometer is a great investment to ensure that your oven is the correct temperature.
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Best Dips For Your Pretzels
I grew up loving pretzels, they were my favorite snack, and my mom always had a big bag of pretzel sticks in the pantry for us. As an adult, I try not to have a bag freely around because I will eat the whole thing in one sitting!
What I do love, though, is to serve a dip for pretzels at my parties or gatherings, and instead of chips and dip, we have pretzels and dip!
This list is filled with different recipes: cheesy, sweet, spicy, salty, whatever you prefer to dip your pretzels in. Theres a recipe here for you.
Pretzels and dip arent only great for parties. There are also healthier dip recipes here that use protein-rich Greek yogurt or healthy fats like peanut butter you can serve as an afternoon snack for your kids that will be healthy and enjoyable.
While pretzels are a favorite from my childhood, this list of recipes gives me a range of flavor profiles to enjoy them as a grown-up!
Quick Tips For Making The Best Beer Cheese Sauce For Pretzels:
- We simmer the beer first to cook off some of the alcohol. This also helps the cream cheese melt more easily.
- Dont add the shredded cheese all at oncebut a handful at a time. This will ensure the sauce doesnt get clumpy.
- Add different flavors by using a different type of beer. Sam used a light beer and I used a dark wheat-style ale I do not recommend using a fruit-based beer.
- You can try different cheeses, too, to add different flavors. Perhaps you want to go in a TexMex direction and add shredded Mexican blend cheese.
- Store leftover cheese sauce for pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, warm in the slow cooker or zap in the microwave. Be prepared to add a little extra beer or a bit of milk to make it creamier if its still pretty thick.
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Homemade Pretzels With Beer Cheese
These soft pretzels with German beer cheese dip are soft, tender, and delicious. While making homemade pretzels is time-consuming, it is SO worth the effort, especially for your next Oktoberfest celebration. There is nothing more delicious than fresh-from-the-oven German pretzels dunked in homemade beer cheese.
How To Store Soft Pretzel Bites
- The pretzel bites will remain fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container, though they will lose some softness.
- You can also freeze the baked pretzel bites. To serve, let thaw then reheat in 300-degree oven until warmed through.
If you loved this Pretzel Bites recipe 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
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on , , and .
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Tips For Pretzel Cheese Dip:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add in more milk gradually until the cheese sauce is the consistency that you prefer.
- You can add cream cheese to the mixture for a richer consistency. I would start with a tablespoon when you add the shredded cheese.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like things spicy.
- Now if you are going to make a big batch, I highly recommend a double boiler to melt your cheese. It will go much smoother and will melt more evenly. Trust me Ive learned from experience!
- Mustard cheese dip: Add a Tablespoon or two of mustard.
- Crock Pot Normally we will make this dip in the double boiler, and then we like to keep it warm in a mini dipper crockpot. We just love them because it keeps the dip warm and smooth.
- Serve with Chips These are great with pretzels, but we also love it drizzled over fritos, spicy chips, or tortilla chips.
Putting The Dough Together
A good pretzel starts out with a process thats like making bread dough. One of the secrets of these soft pretzels is the rye flour which gives the pretzels flecks of color and an earthy flavor.
The rising step is very important:
- gives the pretzels their texture.
- needs the time to relax and be pliable so it will stretch out into a long pliable rope, then twist and form into pretzel shape.
The actual pretzel rope doesnt just do a crossover, you have to do a twist then bring down the ends of the rope and pinch them to the lower semi-circle.
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How To Make Pretzel Dipping Sauce
- Start by making a roux, a butter mixed with flour.
- Let the flour mix cook for at least a minute to release the nutty flavor and let the flour really mix in.
- I like a lager but any beer will work. The beer adds a depth and tanginess to the cheese dip.
- Feel free to use 2% or whole milk either works fine. Skim milk doesnt thicken as well so I try to avoid it.
- Let the flour, milk and beer get a thickness you like before adding all of the flavorings then remove from heat and add the cheese while stirring constantly to incorporate.
Spicy Nacho Cheese Sauce
This is my favorite recipe for cheese dipping sauce. This spicy nacho cheese sauce is absolutely awesome with veggies, soft pretzels, and nachos! None of that processed stuff, either.
Seriously! What is better than a bowl of silky, creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce? Nothing. A far cry from processed, this spicy nacho cheese sauce is to die for. I love serving it with soft pretzel bites or pouring on top of a big bowl of broccoli. Its how I get everyone to their vegetables. Just kidding but not really.
Making nacho cheese sauce at home is not difficult. Its actually one of the easiest and quickest little recipes around. There is no excuse to buy anything from a can or from a jar. Homemade cheese sauce, made from real sharp cheddar cheese, is the only way to go. Plus, it tastes worlds better.
I love serving this spicy nacho cheese sauce right from the stove when its warm. But this cheese sauce keeps well covered tightly in the refrigerator for about 1 week. Just heat it up before serving its a great item to make ahead before the guests arrive.
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Make Ahead + Keep Warm
Make ahead: Prepare as directed, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, simply heat back up on the stove or in the microwave.
Keep warm: This cheese sauce is great served right from the stove, but if its going to be more than 10 minutes before I serve it, I like to transfer to a mini crockpot to keep warm.
Pretzel Cheese Dip For Pretzels
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Beer Cheese dip is great for pretzels, dipping bread into or slathered over a hot sandwich. Easy to make, super quick with pantry ingredients, this pretzel sauce is perfect for parties for a crowd or an easy cocktail appetizer!
We love to use this pretzel sauce with our Spicy Brisket Sliders and subbing in a pretzel bun for watching all the football games!
Pretzel cheese dip or in this case Beer Cheese sauce is velvety, rich with hints of spices in each bite. With football season just around the corner, this dip will be perfect for game-day snacking!
Sometimes you need a cheesy dip not made with the tried and true cream cheese. This beer cheese dip is my go-to for a rich velvety cheese dip that you can make in about 15 minutes.
Beer cheese is something I had when we were in Germany. It was often served at the local pubs alongside German Pretzels.
When I made the super fast version of soft pretzels bites this pretzel dipping sauce is what I made with them! Both done in less than 30 minutes!
My favorite part about this beer cheese dip is that it doesnt have to be warm to be one of those dips that you cant get enough of! While the texture changes a little bit, it works just as well served cold out of the fridge if you want to make it ahead and serve it with vegetables!
Not only does this soft pretzel sauce work for pretzels, but it is amazing over hot sandwiches but it also works for dipping bread into on cold winter nights.
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Soft Pretzel Bites With Cheese Sauce
Soft pretzel bites with cheese sauce This is it! The #1 homemade version of soft mall-like pretzel bites and cheese sauce out there!
I am a complete sucker for mall pretzels.
And its a darn good thing that youll only find me at the mall once or twice a year because more trips would definitely equal more pretzels. But as much as I love them, I dont make soft pretzels at home too often because Kyle isnt a huge fan .
However, in all the years since I first made them, theres been one recipe Ive been saving.
And I finally decided to bust it out just in time to share it with you while youre all getting crazy planning your Super Bowl party menus.
For the record, well both be watching movies this Sunday, as is our annual tradition, while the rest of the nation is either watching the Super Bowl or waiting for the commercials .
So this soft pretzel bites with cheese sauce recipe isnt any big secret! In fact, its probably the most widely adored one out there but if you havent made it yet, you need to get.on.it. Like now!
Try not to be intimidated by making these homemade soft pretzel bites either, because this recipe is practically fool-proof!
I not only halved the recipe , but I also refrigerated the dough overnight after the rise . I let the dough come back to room temperature for about 2 hours before using it.
And let me tell you, these soft pretzel bites turned out like a dream!
I was floating through mall pretzel heaven!!
