Warm Beer Cheese With Pretzels
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy dip surrounded by soft, salty pretzel bites. This beer cheese skillet is made for sharing, with golden pretzel rolls baked to perfection and a creamy, melty cheese dip in the center that stays warm and dippable.

It’s the kind of thing you bring out at a gathering and watch disappear in minutes. The pretzels are fluffy with a little chew, the cheese sauce is ultra smooth and full of flavor, and the whole thing is really easy to serve.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating it fresh makes the sauce much creamier.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath – That quick dip in boiling water with baking soda is what gives the pretzels their classic chewy crust and deep brown color.
- Keep it simple – If you don’t have time to bake fresh pretzels, you can buy pretzel bites at the store.

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Helpful Equipment

Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy dip surrounded by soft, salty pretzel bites.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 egg beaten
- 3 tablespoons pretzel salt or flake salt
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beer any kind you like
- 4 ounces white cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 4 ounces gruyere cheese freshly grated
- Fresh chopped chives for topping
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour, salt, and butter. Mix with the dough hook until dough forms. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Punch down the dough and set it on the floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Form the dough into smooth balls by pinching the dough at one side, until smooth.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, spaced at least 1” apart. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- While the rolls rise, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the beer and whisk until smooth. Add the cheese in small amounts, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a low boil. Add the baking soda and lower the heat to a simmer.
- Place the rolls into the water and boil for 30 seconds, turn over and continue cooking for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush the rolls with the egg wash. Sprinkle with flake salt.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the pretzels are golden and cooked through. Garnish the cheese with chives and serve hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 386kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 13gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 1504mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 457IUVitamin C: 0.002mgCalcium: 209mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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