Jamielyn Nye
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Easy pretzel cheese dip that’s made with just 5 simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes. Use this cheese sauce for pretzels, chips, vegetables and more!
Very similar to a cheese fondue recipe or nacho cheese dip but for pretzels!
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Table of Contents
- Cheese Sauce for Pretzels
- 5 Simple Ingredients
- How to Make Cheese Dip
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Make Ahead + Keep Warm
- 5 star review
- What Else to Serve with this Cheddar Cheese Sauce?
- Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe Printable Recipe
Cheese Sauce for Pretzels
This cheese dip is so easy and simple to make. It only takes 5 ingredients and comes together in less than 10 minutes!
The cheese sauce is so creamy and cheesy. It isn’t too clumpy and has the perfect smooth consistency. It’s also really easy to save and reheat for later.
There are so many yummy ways to use this delicious dip. Serve it with pretzel bites or bread, on top of a baked potato or even over vegetables. It tastes great on pretty much anything!
5 Simple Ingredients
Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce
How to Make Cheese Dip
MELT. Add butter to skillet and melt over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour on top of the butter and cook for 1 minute, constantly stirring. It should form a thick paste. Then whisk in the milk until slightly thickened.
STIR. Remove from heat and slowly begin to mix in the shredded cheese until smooth. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste. If you need to thicken it down a bit, add a few Tablespoons of warm milk.
STORE. Pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variations
- Spicy nacho cheese dip: Add an extra Tablespoon of hot sauce and dash of cayenne pepper. You can add jalapeno as well.
- Mustard cheese dip: Add a Tablespoon or two of mustard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cheese dip?
Cheese dip is a melted cheese sauce which is usually served as an appetizer alongside pretzels, tortilla chips, bread or vegetables.
What is pretzel cheese made of?
It consists of butter, cheese, milk, cornstarch and seasonings. The milk helps keep the cheese sauce in a smooth consistency.
What is the best thing to dip pretzels in?
The best thing to dip pretzels is in this cheese dip, honey mustard sauce, marinara, spinach dip or spinach artichoke dip.
Can I freeze the leftover cheese dip?
No I do not reccomend freezing leftover cheese dip. The texture will not be as smooth and creamy.
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 it’s going to be more than 10 minutes before I serve it, I like to transfer to a mini crockpot to keep warm.
5 star review
“I cannot believe how easy this was to whip up! Literally like ten minutes!!! It is so delicious and you can customize it to how you like it!”
-Lissete
What Else to Serve with this Cheddar Cheese Sauce?
We love to use this cheese sauce for pretty much anything. It makes a great cheese fondue as well.
- Pretzel bites
- French bread
- Breadsticks
- Baked potatoes
- Potato wedges
- Tortilla chips
- Steamed vegetables
- Raw vegetables
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Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe
4.98 from 70 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
Creamy pretzel cheese dip that's made with just 5 simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes. Once you try it, you'll make this homemade version over store bought every time!
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Servings: 8
Video
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ Tablespoon corn starch (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup milk , plus more as needed
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese or Velveeta
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-3 teaspoons hot sauce (I prefer Frank's) , plus more to taste
Optional: Cayenne pepper or chili powder
For serving: Soft pretzels, Tortilla chips, Vegetables
Instructions
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the butter, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute.
Warm the milk in the microwave 15 to 20 seconds. Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan, while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until thickened (but still pourable). Watch it carefully.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until smooth. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Stir in salt and pepper. Add amount of hot sauce you prefer. If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in 1 to 2 Tablespoons warmed milk. Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a little heat.
Place in a mini crockpot to keep warm and gooey. If it thickens, reheat in the microwave 15 seconds. Serve with pretzels, tortilla chips, or vegetables.
Notes
Cheese: If you are using processed American cheese (Velveeta) dice it up before adding. It will result in a creamier texture. If using shredded cheese, make sure to use freshly grated high quality cheese.
Spices: If you prefer a little spice, add in extra hot sauce and 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Storage: This dip is best served the first day. You can store in a covered container up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top until warmed.
Pretzels: These are my favorite homemade pretzels and pretzel bites to serve alongside.
Nutrition
Serving: 2Tablespoon | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 47mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 352IU | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Appetizers, Condiments, Dips, Low Carb, Sauces, Super Bowl
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
More about Jamielyn Nye
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Add a comment
65 comments
- Laurie Healy
Would skim milk work in place of whole milk?
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- I Heart Naptime Community
Hi Laurie! I haven’t tested this recipe using skim milk, the consistency might come out a little differently. If you try it, let me know how it goes!
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