Homemade Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip – A Perfect Party Snack 🥨🧀🍺
These Homemade Soft Pretzels are golden, chewy, and irresistibly delicious—especially when paired with a warm, creamy Beer Cheese Dip. This crowd-pleasing combo is ideal for game days, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving pub-style comfort food at home. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Snack Combo 💚
- ✅ Chewy & Golden: Classic soft pretzels with the perfect crust.
- ✅ Rich & Creamy Dip: Melty cheese meets bold beer flavor.
- ✅ Fun to Make: Shaping pretzels is easier than you think!
- ✅ Party-Perfect: Great for sharing and dunking fun.
🥨 Soft Pretzel & Beer Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Pretzels:
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F) 💧
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast 🌿
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 tbsp sugar 🍬
- 4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling) 🥄
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling 🧂
- For the Beer Cheese Dip:
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 🌾
- ½ cup beer (lager or ale) 🍺
- ½ cup milk 🥛
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌿
- 1¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Expanded)
- Make the pretzel dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add salt and flour, mix until dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. - Shape the pretzels:
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheet with parchment. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape. - Boil with baking soda:
Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place on prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. - Bake the pretzels:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until deep golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. 🥨 - Make the beer cheese dip:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add beer and milk, whisking constantly. Stir in mustard, then gradually add cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm. 🧀🍺
💡 Pretzel-Making Tips & Dip Variations
- ✨ Beer variety: Use a mild lager or amber ale for balanced flavor.
- ✨ Extra crispy: Bake a few extra minutes for darker crust.
- ✨ Flavor twist: Add jalapeños or smoked paprika to the cheese dip.
- ✨ No yeast? Try baking powder pretzel bites as a shortcut.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
This snack is all about balance—carbs from the pretzels, protein and calcium from the cheese, and rich flavor from the beer and spices. A little indulgent, a lot satisfying!
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate before shaping.
- ✅ Storage: Store baked pretzels in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
- ✅ Dip storage: Keep beer cheese refrigerated and reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze soft pretzels?
Yes! Freeze them after baking and cooling. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I make the dip non-alcoholic?
Absolutely—just replace beer with extra milk or veggie broth and a dash of Worcestershire or mustard for flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace up to half of the flour with whole wheat. Full substitution may change texture.
Warm, Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing 💚
These soft pretzels and beer cheese dip are everything a party snack should be. 🥨💬 Show off your snack spread on Pinterest or tag your game day creation!
