Slow Cooker Soft Pretzel Cheese Dip

Slow cooker pretzel cheese dip is like cheesy heaven. It is creamy, tangy and easy to make. The perfect addition to any gathering.

This recipe is not optional.  It is a must-try!  

Here in the Philadelphia area we take our soft pretzels very seriously.  But, it seems to me that we are willing to dip those pretzels in all kinds of subpar cheeses.  This crock pot beer cheese dip elevates the cheesy dip to a level -worthy of a Philly street pretzel!

This easy recipe is a great way to welcome guests into your home - any time. It is the perfect party appetizer.  It's certainly one of our favorite recipes to devour while watching football games!

Jump to:

• 📝Shopping list
• 🔪Instructions
• 🍽Serving suggestions
• 🔁Substitutions
• Storing leftovers
• 😉Hints & hacks
• 📖 Recipe

📝Shopping list

To make this cheesy beer dip you will need these simple ingredients:

• cheddar cheese* - shredded
• mozzarella cheese - shredded
• cream cheese brick - cut into 10 squares
• beer*
• dijon mustard
• garlic powder
• nonstick cooking spray or oil

*exact quantities and full recipe details can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

🔪Instructions

Your first step when making any slow cooker recipe is to coat your insert with a nonstick agent.  I generally prefer olive oil or avocado oil. 

Next, add all ingredients into your slow cooker and stir to combine a bit if possible.  Cover and cook on low until all cheeses are melted and can be easily combined.  

After stirring, turn your slow cooker to high and cook with the lid off for an additional 15 minutes or so.  This will allow the alcohol to burn off some and the dip to get a bit thicker.  

Turn down to the warm setting, serve (right in your slow cooker!), and devour!!!!

🍽Serving suggestions

Clearly, this beer cheese recipe was made for dipping doughy soft pretzels.  Soft pretzel bites are great for a crowd! 

However, other items dip really well too!  Tortilla chips, hard pretzels, potato chips, and pita chips are all great dippers.  Cauliflower florets, carrot sticks, and celery sticks are also great in this gooey, cheesy, warm dip.

Baguette slices, corn chips or your favorite crackers are perfect with this easy beer cheese dip recipe too.  

If you are looking to add some additional flavors to your dip, try topping it with sliced green onions, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.  If you prefer your dips spicy, try chicken buffalo dip or turkey buffalo dip!

I love to serve this next to a bowl full of maple onion jam.  They combo of cheesy and sweet on a pretzel are next level amazing! 

🔁Substitutions

1. If you would rather not include alcohol, a non-alcoholic beer,  hearty mushroom stock or beef stock can be used in its place.
2. Monterey Jack cheese can be used in place of sharp cheddar cheese for a more mellow beer cheese sauce.

If you love this recipe, please let me know in the comment section below!

Storing leftovers

The best way to store leftover dip is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 2-3 days.  I recommend against freezing leftovers.  It is much better served fresh! 

😉Hints & hacks

1. A mini crock pot  is great for this cheesy snack. If you have a large crowd, this recipe can be easily doubled in a larger slow cooker.  
2. Any type of beer that you have on hand will work for this pub-style beer cheese dip.  A dark beer will lend more flavor than a pale ale or lite beer. Just use your favorite beer!
3. Each crockpot is different. The first time you make this pretzel cheese dip, watch a little more closely to make sure nothing is burning. I have not personally experienced any burning issues when making this recipe.
4. Some people have commented that freshly shredded cheese melts best. I have made this cheesy dip with both freshly shredded and pre-shredded cheese - both were delicious!
5. I generally recommend using a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up! They are not overly pretty, though, so I sometimes skip them when I plan to serve to guests.
6. In the market for a new slow cooker?? I love mine!

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📖 Recipe

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