Easy pretzel cheese dip is made with only 5 simple ingredients. This cheese sauce pairs perfectly with homemade pretzels and more!

Dipping pretzels in a cheese dip.

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Cheese Sauce for Pretzels

This pretzel cheese dip is so easy and simple to make. It only takes 5 ingredients and comes together in less than 10 minutes! It’s creamy, cheesy and doesn’t clump. Plus is super easy to store and reheat.

There are so many yummy ways to use this cheese sauce. Serve as a snack with soft pretzel bites or bread, on top of a baked potato or even over vegetables. It tastes great on anything!

Ingredient Notes

Shredded cheese on a cutting board.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted butter but salted butter would work, just skip adding the added salt.
  • All-purpose flour: I often use cornstarch or cornflour.
  • Whole milk: Any variation of milk will work, although whole milk adds the best creaminess.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar cheese, but any other mild cheddar will work. Velveeta can be used if preferred.
  • Hot sauce: Adds a small spicy tangy to the cheese sauce.

How to Make Cheese Dip for Pretzels

To make the ‘roux‘, 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.

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.

Pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Making a roux for pretzel cheese dip.
Adding shredded cheese for pretzel cheese sauce.

Easy Cheese Sauce Tips and Variations

  • 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.
  • Richer cheese sauce: Add a Tablespoon of cream cheese when adding the shredded cheese.
  • Too thick: Add more milk to the cheese sauce until desired consistency is reached.
  • Gourmet: Use a few cheeses for a cheese fondue recipe.
Cheese sauce in a small crockpot.

Storing and 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.

Serving Suggestions

We love to use this pretzel cheese dip with about anything on game day! It makes a great cheese sauce for these favorites:

Pretzel dipped in cheese dip.

More dip recipes we love include this cottage queso dip recipe, homemade queso blanco dip and Velveeta queso recipe!

Pretzel cheese dip in a bowl.

Easy Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe

4.98 from 70 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Easy pretzel cheese dip is made with only 5 simple ingredients. This cheese sauce pairs perfectly with homemade pretzels and more!
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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

  • Melt butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 Tablespoon butter. Sprinkle 1/2 Tablespoon flour or cornstarch over the butter, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add milk. Warm 1 cup 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.
  • Stir in cheese. Remove from heat and stir in 8 ounces 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.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

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.

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 can I dip pretzels in?

The best thing to dip pretzels in is this cheese dip, honey mustard sauce or any sauce that you love!

Can I freeze the leftover cheese dip?

No I do not recommend freezing leftover cheese dip. The texture will not be as smooth and creamy.

Pretzel cheese dip in a bowl.