Game day snacks are where I shine! While I’ve tried fancy appetizers and complicated dips, nothing beats the simple combination of warm, soft pretzels and melted cheese. My family asks for this combo every single time we watch a game together, and it never disappoints.
The best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to pull it off. I make my pretzels from scratch because store-bought ones just don’t compare, but the cheese dip comes together in minutes. My kids love helping me shape the pretzel dough, and my husband is always the first one reaching for seconds.
Want something that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank? This is your answer. I’ve served this at birthday parties, game nights, and even packed it for school events. It disappears every time.
Why You’ll Love These Pretzels and Cheese Dip
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Homemade Soft Pretzels: There’s nothing like the taste and smell of fresh, homemade pretzels—way better than store-bought and surprisingly easy to make at home.
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Multiple Cheese Dip Options: You get three different flavor variations of creamy cheese dip, so everyone can find their perfect match, whether they like it classic, spicy, or tangy.
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Perfect for Entertaining: This recipe is ideal for game day, parties, or family gatherings, serving a crowd and giving people something fun to dip and share.
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Made with Simple Ingredients: Most of these ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have at home, making it a convenient recipe to whip up without a special grocery run.
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Ready in Under an Hour: From mixing the dough to enjoying warm pretzels with melted cheese, this whole recipe comes together in less than an hour!
What Kind of Flour Should I Use?
For homemade pretzels, all-purpose flour is your best bet. You don’t need anything fancy like bread flour, though it will work if that’s what you have on hand. The key is using fresh flour—old flour can make your pretzels taste a bit stale, even when they’re hot out of the oven. If you’re measuring by cups rather than weight, give your flour a gentle stir in the container first, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for the most consistent results.
Ingredients
For the Pretzels:
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1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
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2 1/4 tsp instant rise yeast (1/4 oz packet)
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2 tbsp melted butter
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp salt
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup baking soda
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1 egg, beaten
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Coarse salt, for sprinkling
For the Cheese Dip:
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2 1/4 cups whole milk
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1/4 cup flour
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Optional Flavor Additions and Toppings:
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1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
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2 tbsp hot sauce
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1 tsp cayenne pepper
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1 tbsp mustard
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2 tbsp horseradish
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough
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Dissolve the instant rise yeast in lukewarm water, whisking well for about 1 minute.
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In a large mixing bowl, add melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
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Gradually add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be thick.
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Add another 3/4 cup of flour, mixing until the dough is no longer sticky and bounces back when poked with a finger.
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 minutes. Shape it into a ball, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Shape and Boil the Pretzel Bites
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
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Section the rested dough into six equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and cut it into 1.5-inch bites.
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Drop the pretzel bites, about 10 at a time, into the boiling baking soda water and cook for 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring the bites don’t touch.
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Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
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Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form (don’t let it boil).
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In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is lightly browned.
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Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
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Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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For extra flavor, stir in jalapeño, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, mustard, and horseradish (optional).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
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Serve your warm, crispy pretzel bites alongside the creamy cheese dip. Enjoy the cheesy, soft pretzel goodness!
Storage Instructions
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Store: Keep pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store the cheese dip in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Pretzels freeze well for up to 3 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap or stored in freezer bags. Reheat by wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-20 seconds. Do not freeze the cheese dip, as it may become grainy upon thawing.
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Reheat: Reheat cheese dip gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Conclusion
This Soft Pretzels and Cheese Dip recipe is the ultimate game day snack. It’s perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just a cozy movie night at home. The homemade pretzels are chewy and flavorful, and the cheese dip is smooth and creamy—definitely a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can customize the dip to your liking with different flavors. Whether you’re hosting a large event or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Print
Soft Pretzels and Cheese Dip: The Ultimate Game Day Snack
- Total Time: 40-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pretzels and Cheese Dip recipe is the perfect combination of homemade soft pretzels and creamy cheese dip. Ideal for game days, parties, or family gatherings, these pretzels are baked to golden perfection and paired with a rich, flavorful cheese sauce. With options to customize the dip’s flavor, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become your go-to snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Bites:
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
2 1/4 teaspoons instant rise yeast (1/4 oz packet)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour (use more as needed for dough consistency)
1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling)
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
For the Cheese Dip:
2 1/4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Optional Flavor Additions and Toppings:
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoons horseradish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm water for 1 minute. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt; stir well.
Gradually add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing by hand or with a stand mixer. Add the remaining 3/4 cup flour until dough is thick but not sticky.
Knead the dough for 2 minutes, then let it rest in an oiled bowl for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Shape and Boil the Pretzel Bites
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding 1/2 cup baking soda.
Divide the dough into six parts. Roll each into a rope and cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces.
Boil pretzel bites for 20 seconds, then transfer to baking sheets. Repeat until all are boiled.
Step 3: Bake the Pretzel Bites
Brush pretzel bites with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form (do not boil).
In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 2-3 minutes.
Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add grated cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optionally, add jalapeño, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, mustard, and horseradish for extra flavor.
Notes
Dough Rest: Allow the dough to rest to make it easier to work with.
Boiling Tip: Don’t skip the baking soda bath – it gives the pretzels their classic chewy texture and deep brown color.
Cheese Sauce Variations: Adjust the heat of the cheese sauce with different hot sauces or spices depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
