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Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip

  • Author: Sally
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rising Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pretzels + dip 1x
  • Category: Appetizer

Description

Golden-baked, salty, and irresistibly soft—these homemade Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip are everything you want in a comforting, shareable snack. Twisted into perfection and sprinkled with crunchy coarse salt, each bite offers that classic chewy texture and warm, doughy center. Paired with a luscious beer cheese dip, loaded with cheddar, hints of garlic, and the smooth bitterness of your favorite lager, this recipe makes a bold statement at any gathering. Perfect for quick snacks, easy appetizers, or game-day food ideas, this is one easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re craving a cozy night-in treat or looking for fun dinner ideas, this dish is always a win.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Soft Pretzels:

1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp granulated sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling water)

1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)

Coarse sea salt for topping

For the Beer Cheese Dip:

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk

¾ cup lager or ale

1 tsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)


Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: Combine warm water and yeast. Let sit 5 mins until foamy.
  2. Mix dough: Add salt, sugar, then flour. Mix and knead until smooth, 5–7 mins. Let rise 1 hour.
  3. Shape: Divide into 8 pieces. Roll into ropes and form pretzel shapes.
  4. Soda bath: Boil 10 cups water + 2/3 cup baking soda. Dip each pretzel for 30 seconds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt. Bake at 450°F for 12–14 mins until golden.
  6. Make cheese dip: Melt butter in saucepan. Add flour to make roux. Whisk in milk and beer. Add mustard, garlic powder, paprika. Stir in cheese until melted. Season.
  7. Serve: Enjoy pretzels warm with cheese dip.