Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (2024)

Home » Recipes » Course » Condiments » Pretzel Dip

posted by Jessica Hylton on Jan 19, 2024 6 comments »

Jump to Recipe

5 (from 3 ratings)

This vegan beer cheese pretzel dip is as rich, creamy, and cheesy as the original version—no dairy needed! It’s perfect for dipping soft pretzels, but you’ll also love it for fondue, veggies, and more.

Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (1)

Once you make my recipe for vegan soft pretzels, you may be wondering if you can also make a vegan beer cheese pretzel dip. Friends, I am one step ahead of you!

I knew when I shared my homemade soft pretzel recipe that I had to accompany it with a cheesy pretzel dip. While I love my vegan cheese sauce recipe, there’s something about warm pretzels that makes you want beer in it too!

This beer cheese pretzel dip is rich and creamy, with lots of depth of flavour. Rather than using a shredded plant-based cheese, I opted for cream cheese and nutritional yeast. This gives you the richness and creaminess you want, without taking a chance on shredded vegan cheese—as you might have noticed, not all varieties are good melters!

Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (2)

Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Dip Recipe

  • Cheesy, smoky, and all-around delicious. The flavours in this pretzel dip are absolutely divine!The combination of cream cheese, nutritional yeast, and spices creates a mouthwatering dip that’s impossible to resist.
  • Easy to make. This vegan beer cheese dip recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, with minimal prep work. You can have it ready to serve in no time!
  • Versatile. While this dip is perfect for dipping soft pretzels, it also works well as a fondue for dipping veggies, chips, bread, and more. Or you can drizzle it over potatoes and cooked vegetables!
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (3)

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

  • Vegan butter – Use store-bought or homemade vegan butter.
  • Flour– All-purpose flour is fine here, or use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour substitute if needed.
  • Non-dairy milk – Make sure it’s unflavoured and unsweetened.
  • Beer
  • Nutritional yeast– This adds a cheesy flavour.
  • Vegan cream cheese
  • Dijon mustard– Mustard adds a sharp flavour to the pretzel dip.
  • Soy sauce– You can substitute tamari sauce or liquid aminos to make this a gluten-free beer cheese.
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika– This adds a fantastic smokiness to the pretzel dip. Don’t skip it!
  • Salt and pepper

How Do You Know if a Beer Is Vegan?

The good news is that most popular brands of beer are vegan. However, some beers may contain ingredients like honey, lactose, or isinglass (a fish-based ingredient). If you’re unsure about a specific beer brand, you can always check the company’s website or use an app like Barnivore to find vegan options.

How to Make Pretzel Dip

Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (4)
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (5)
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (6)
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (7)
  • Make the bechamel. Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook while whisking for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the plant milk, followed by the beer.
  • Simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer until it’s thick, stirring periodically.
  • Make it “cheesy”. Remove the sauce from the heat. Whisk in the nutritional yeast, vegan cream cheese, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Adjust the seasoning. Taste the beer cheese and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Tips for Success

  • Use the right beer. Wondering what’s the best beer for beer cheese dip? I recommend using a lager or pilsner for this recipe, as they have a lighter flavour that won’t overpower the dip.
  • Make sure the flour is golden brown before adding the liquid. Cooking the flour is key! If you don’t cook it long enough, the pretzel dip will taste like raw flour.
  • Serve it warm. This pretzel dip is best served warm. You can reheat any leftovers in the microwave or stove.
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (8)

Serving Suggestions

This vegan beer cheese pretzel dip is great served with homemade soft pretzels, but don’t stop there! Here are a few more ideas:

  • Raw veggies like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower
  • Chips or crackers
  • Bread cubes or baguette slices
  • Air Fryer Shoestring Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, or spoon the dip over Loaded Potato Skins
  • Drizzle it over your favourite vegan burger (like these Quinoa Burgers)
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (9)

Variations

  • Add a little heat to this beer cheese pretzel dip by stirring in sriracha, another hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • For a smokier flavour, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the dip.
  • Stir in thinly sliced green onions or chives for an extra pop of flavour and colour.
  • Make it Tex-Mex style by stirring in canned green chiles.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover pretzel dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat before serving.

Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (10)

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this pretzel dip for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving. Keep in mind that the consistency may change slightly after being frozen, but it will still be delicious!

More Vegan Dips and Sauces

  • How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
  • Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Tartar Sauce
  • Perfect Homemade Hummus
  • Garlic Confit
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (11)

Enjoy friends! If you make this pretzel dip recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!

Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (12)

Pretzel Dip

Servings: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

This easy vegan beer cheese pretzel dip recipe is as rich, creamy, and cheesy as the original version—no dairy needed!

5 (from 3 ratings)

Print RecipePin RecipeLeave a Review

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, 28 grams
  • 2 tablespoons flour, 14 grams
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk, 118 ml
  • 1/2 cup beer, 118 ml
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast, 20 grams
  • 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, 1 cup
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard, 7.5 grams
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 5.5 grams
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 4 grams
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2.4 grams
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 grams
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking continuously, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the non-dairy milk followed by the beer. Turn the heat to low and allow the mixture to cook for a couple of minutes until nice and thick, stirring periodically.

  • Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the nutritional yeast, vegan cream cheese, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth.

  • Taste the beer cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

To store: Store leftover pretzel dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat before serving.

To freeze: You can freeze this pretzel dip for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 267kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Sodium: 459mg, Potassium: 165mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 631IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 85mg, Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer, condiment, Snack

Author: Jessica Hylton

American Appetizers Condiments Dairy Free Egg Free Recipes Snacks Vegan Vegetarian

published on Jan 19, 2024

6 comments Leave a comment »

« Previous PostSoft Pretzel Recipe

Next Post »Tomato Tortellini Soup

Leave a Reply

6 comments on “Pretzel Dip”

  1. John Reply

    Is this ingredient correct?

    8 ounces vegan cream cheese, ⅓ cup

    Thanks,

    John

    • Jessica Hylton Reply

      Hi John,

      It is not – so sorry about that. It’s 1 cup! It’s been corrected!

  2. Cheryl Lawrence Reply

    Will it turn out if I don’t use beer in the recipe?

    • Jessica Hylton Reply

      Hi Cheryl,

      Yes! You can just use broth in its place!

  3. Janice Reply

    Can this be made without the beer?

    • Jessica Hylton Reply

      Hi Janice,

      Yes! You can just use broth in its place!

Leave a comment »
Vegan Beer Cheese Sauce - The BEST Pretzel Dip Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What kind of beer is best for beer cheese dip? ›

Lager is a family of beers that includes bright lagers, amber lagers, dark lagers, Oktoberfests, and pilsners. I used Fat Tire because that what I had on hand, but Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite are all good options. No need to use anything fancy!

What is the pretzel cheese sauce made of? ›

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.

How do you thicken beer cheese dip? ›

While the beer heating up, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of warm water in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling beer, whisking constantly to fully incorporate it. Bring the beer back up to a boil, at which point the cornstarch slurry will slightly thicken the beer.

What is a good dip for pretzels? ›

What pairs well with soft pretzels?
  • Creamy smoked Gouda cheese dip (recipe below)!
  • Mustard: yellow, honey, dijon, or whole grain.
  • Beer cheese dip.
  • Warm marinara sauce.
  • Garlic aioli.
  • Ranch dressing.
  • Hummus.
  • Spicy sriracha mayo.

Does beer cook out of beer cheese dip? ›

That being said, if you want to cook out the alcohol, you can bring the beer up to a simmer which is a visual cue that you've reached 195 degrees F. Let it go for a min or so to ensure that the alcohol has all evaporated out before melting the cheese in.

Is Stella Artois good for beer cheese? ›

Stella Artois

The crisp carbonation and fermentation-led style also cuts through the fat in cheese and cleanses the palate.

What is the secret ingredient which makes a pretzel taste like a pretzel? ›

But it's the distinctive "pretzel" flavor that makes this bread extraordinary. That comes from dipping the shaped dough in an alkaline solution — traditionally a small amount of food-grade lye dissolved in water — before baking.

What does Auntie Anne's dip pretzels in? ›

Choices include Cheese, Hot Salsa Cheese, Sweet Glaze, Caramel, Honey Mustard, Marinara, and Light Cream Cheese.

What is the secret ingredient in pretzels? ›

According to King Arthur Baking, lye and caustic sodas are used in the process of baking pretzels because lye's reaction to the pretzels, much like baking soda, gives them that chewy texture, light interior, and brown crust.

Why is my beer cheese dip grainy? ›

Why is my beer cheese dip grainy? Using pre-grated cheeses that contain substances preventing them from clumping may be the reason. Another reason may be adding too much cheese at once. Add the cheese gradually and whisk after each addition waiting for the cheese to melt.

How do you keep cheese dip creamy? ›

For dips, you'll want to use a tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of cheese, then add at least five ounces of evaporated milk. After that, you can use more evaporated milk to thin out your dip as much as you need.

Why do they call it beer cheese? ›

Beer cheese isn't a type of cheese, but rather is made from various cheeses. It's thought to have originated in Kentucky in the 1930s as a salty snack to serve at bars. The Kentucky version is traditionally made with German lagers, but today it is often made with IPAs, stouts, and other craft brews.

What is the slang pretzel dip? ›

Many people enjoy the pretzel position because it allows for deep penetration without sacrificing eye contact, which can contribute to a sense of intimacy. Additionally, the pretzel sex position is sometimes called the pretzel dip, but the two names refer to the same basic maneuver.

What do Germans eat with pretzels? ›

Germandeli.com Pretzels are sold nationwide and It's available in a variety of forms, from soft and chewy to crispy and crunchy, and is often enjoyed with German mustard, Obatzda, and our newly in-house made beercheese made with Warsteiner beer, Pretzels have gained international recognition and is widely consumed in ...

What makes pretzels taste good? ›

Salt is the most common seasoning, or topping, for pretzels, complementing the washing soda or lye treatment that gives pretzels their traditional skin and flavor acquired through the Maillard reaction. Other toppings are mustard, cheeses, sugar, chocolate, cinnamon, sweet glazing, seeds, and nuts.

What is beer cheese dip made of? ›

Beer cheese dip is typically made by heating beer with ingredients like garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan until the beer reduces, mixing in cheese and milk, and continuing to cook until the cheese is melted. The resulting mixture is a cheesy spread that can be served warm or cool.

Are IPAs good for beer cheese? ›

The best beer for beer cheese is a nice, hoppy IPA (craft beer style India Pale Ale). It creates a great depth of flavor. You can substitute a lager, pilsner, or even a non-alcoholic beer, but the flavor profile will be a bit more mild.

Is pale ale good for beer cheese? ›

As part of its unique flavor profile, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale pairs particularly well with sharp white cheddars and creamier cheeses; these varieties are often used when making Wisconsin-style beer cheese soup recipes, so this particular ale pairs seamlessly here.

What beer goes best with Philly cheesesteak? ›

Pale Ale and Philly Cheesesteak

Although flavorful, a cheesesteak has a mild taste that pairs perfectly with a pale ale. The slight hoppiness stands up to the onions and hearty meat, and the cleaner finish is refreshing after the salty beef and cheese.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carmelo Roob

Last Updated:

Views: 6306

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carmelo Roob

Birthday: 1995-01-09

Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

Phone: +6773780339780

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.