Cheese And Pretzels: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Pretzels and cheese are a classic snack, but what's the best type of cheese to use for dipping? While there's no definitive answer, there are several popular options. One common choice is a simple cheese dip made with cheddar, cream cheese, and milk. This dip has a creamy texture and pairs well with soft pretzels. For a more complex flavour, some people prefer a beer cheese dip, which typically includes ingredients such as butter, flour, garlic powder, mustard, and of course, beer. This dip is inspired by the German tradition of serving beer cheese with pretzels. Other types of cheese that can be used for dipping include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella. Ultimately, the best cheese for dipping pretzels may come down to personal preference, but these options are a great place to start.

Beer cheese dip

Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Beer
• Mustard
• Cayenne Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Cheese

Method

• Melt butter in a saucepan and then whisk in some flour to make a roux.
• Then add milk a splash at a time.
• Pour in the beer and add the mustard, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt.
• Stir the mixture over the heat until it’s thick and bubbling.
• Melt in the cheese and it’s ready to serve.

Tips

The type of beer and cheese is up to you! The beer flavour will come through, so use one you like. A dark beer will have a stronger taste, while a lighter beer will be more mellow.

• Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use Swiss, mozzarella, gruyere, gouda, or fontina.
• For the best texture, shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded bagged cheeses have additives that can affect how smoothly the cheese melts.
• For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the beer with vegetable stock and a splash of apple juice.
• If you want to keep the dip warm, transfer it to a slow cooker and set it to low.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To reheat, gently warm over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Variations

For a fancier version, you can make a Champagne and Swiss Dip. Use an inexpensive dry sparkling wine instead of beer and Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. Omit the cayenne pepper, and add a touch of kirsch for extra flavour.

Cheddar cheese dip

A warm, comforting, and super-easy-to-make dip, the Cheddar Cheese Dip is perfect for parties, game nights, and get-togethers with friends and family. This dip is creamy, smooth, and luxurious, and goes well with soft pretzels, pretzel bites, pretzel buns, crispy pretzels, tortilla chips, and veggies.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk (whole milk, low-fat milk, or heavy cream)
• Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of the two)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• Cream Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
• Once melted, add flour and whisk until a thick paste forms. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually add milk, a little at a time, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook until it thickens.
• Turn off the heat and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, whisking continuously.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• (Optional) For a spicier dip, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• (Optional) For a richer dip, add some cream cheese to the mixture.
• Serve warm with soft pretzels or other dippers of your choice.

Tips:

• For the best results, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, gradually add more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
• To keep the dip warm, transfer it to a small slow cooker.
• To store leftovers, place the dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.

Cream cheese dip

Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cream

Optional Ingredients

You can also add in:

• Marshmallow fluff
• Lemon zest
• Almond extract

Method

• Beat the cream cheese and butter together.
• Add in the sugar and vanilla.
• Add in the cream to thin out the dip.
• Whip the mixture until it is smooth and fluffy.

Tips

• Using a mixer will speed up the process.
• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
• If you want to warm up the dip, heat it in the microwave for a warm glaze.

Mustard cheese dip

A mustard cheese dip is a great snack idea and goes well with pretzels. Here is a recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons grainy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 tablespoon root beer, beer, or water
• 2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.
• Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted.
• Serve warm with pretzels.

Tips:

• This recipe makes a pretty small batch, so you may want to double the ingredients if you are serving more than 3 or 4 people.
• If you want to add a bit of sweetness to your dip, you can replace the water with root beer or beer.
• If you prefer a smoother dip, you can blend the ingredients instead of stirring them in a saucepan. However, be careful not to blend for too long, as this will add air to your dip.
• If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again. You might need to add a splash of milk to thin out the dip if it becomes too thick.

Variations:

You can also experiment with different types of mustard and cheese to create your own unique flavour combinations. Here are some ideas:

• Honey mustard dip: Combine deli-style mustard, honey, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
• Maple mustard dip: Whisk together equal parts mustard and pure maple syrup.
• Summer berry mustard dip: Whisk together mustard, strawberry jam, raspberry jam, honey, and mustard seeds.

Spicy cheese dip

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, cream cheese, or a mix of both)
• Spices (cayenne pepper, chilli powder, paprika, or jalapeños)
• Mustard (optional)

Method:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and keep whisking until a thick paste forms.
• Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the mixture thickens.
• Remove from heat and gradually add cheese, whisking until combined.
• Add spices and mustard (if using).
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Serve immediately with soft pretzels, or keep warm in a slow cooker.

Tips:

• For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional flavour, or try white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack Cheese for a twist.
• For a smoother dip, shred the cheese yourself.
• To thin the dip, add a splash of milk.
• To keep the dip warm, transfer to a small slow cooker.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently asked questions