Dip, dip, hooray—complement your salty pretzels with this creamy, cheddar-licious cheese dip!
What is it about salty snacks that’s so darn satisfying? Whether it’s a crisp potato chip or pillowy popcorn, salt is in some of the most adored snacks, and it certainly keeps us coming back for more. But of all the salt-laden snacks out there, nothing is quite as alluring as a freshly baked pretzel. It’s hard not to have your mouth water when you smell a pretzel baking. And oh, that first bite—perfection!
While some argue pretzels are great on their own, there’s always room for enhancements (especially if they’re the homemade variety). In this case, we’re talking about pretzel dip—cheddar cheese dip, to be exact.
Its sharp flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect complement to your favorite pretzel. Anyone who wants to experience the pinnacle of pretzels must put this DIY dip on their culinary bucket list.
Is This Pretzel Cheese Dip Healthy?
Pretzels and cheese dip are a delicious indulgence, not the latest health food fad. The high amounts of saturated fat, calories, and salt in this cheesy sauce aren’t what the doctor ordered if you’re concerned about high blood pressure or cholesterol.
However, there are ways to make this cheese dip somewhat healthier. For example, you could swap whole milk for skim and use a reduced-fat cheese. Since pretzels typically contain a lot of salt, consider ditching the extra sodium in your cheese dip. Instead, try sprinkling in herbs or spices.
This recipe can be made suitable for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant by using plant-based milk, cheese, and butter.
Why Is My Pretzel Cheese Dip Lumpy?
When people are ready to dunk their pretzels, they expect the cheese dip to be smooth and creamy. Any trace of unintentional lumps in this dip simply isn’t going to cut it. Although accidentally making lumpy cheese dip is a common challenge, figuring out your specific issue is often pretty straightforward.
Often, people get lumps in their cheese dip because they get a little lazy with stirring. Be sure to get your good arm ready—or bring a gym buddy to the kitchen. You must constantly stir to avoid the flour clumping up in the dip-making process.
Also, your key ingredients (milk, cheese, and butter) should be at room temperature before mixing your cheese dip. Waiting until the ingredients warm up helps everything melt more evenly and efficiently.
Lastly, going “low and slow” is the name of the game. People who try to rush the process are more likely to overcook their ingredients, leading to a not-so-impressive final result.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Are you planning a pretzel party but don’t have time to make a dip on the same day? No prob! You can easily make your cheese dip ahead of time. Let the dip cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. You could even put your cheese dip in the freezer, but it may affect the texture upon thawing. Either way, you could use the stovetop or microwave to reheat the pretzel cheese dip.
Serving Suggestions
With a recipe like pretzel cheese dip, the pairing is in the name. However, if you want to break with tradition, plenty of other snacks go great with this cheddar cheese dip. For instance, if it’s taco night, you might want to make some homemade Tortilla Strips to serve alongside your cheese dip. You could even do as the Swiss do and break out some bread for a fondue.
While all these suggestions are tasty, we know they aren’t the most fantastic options from a health perspective. But good news for health fans: This cheese dip pairs beautifully with Blanched Broccoli or even over Sautéed Broccolini. So, if there’s any guilt about indulging in this cheese dip, make yourself feel better by serving it with healthy veggies!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour until smooth, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and Dijon mustard until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is smooth.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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