This Beer Cheese & Pretzel Skillet Dip is the ultimate party centerpiece — gooey, molten beer cheese in the middle, surrounded by soft, golden pretzel bites baked right in the same pan.

It’s creamy, bold, malty, and salty in all the right ways. Pull it apart, dunk it deep, and don’t expect leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Bites:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup baking soda (for the water bath)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt

For the Beer Cheese Dip:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup beer (amber ale, lager, or wheat beer — nothing too hoppy)
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Bites

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut pizza dough into bite-sized pieces and roll into balls.
3. Boil water and baking soda in a saucepan. Drop dough balls in batches for 30 seconds, then remove and set aside.
4. Arrange the dough balls around the edge of a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, leaving the center empty for the cheese dip.
5. Brush dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 2: Make the Beer Cheese

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
2. Slowly whisk in beer and milk. Simmer until slightly thickened.
3. Add mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and a big pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Lower heat and stir in cheeses until smooth and melty. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the hot cheese dip into the center of the skillet, inside the pretzel ring.
2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pretzels are deep golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Serving Ideas

• Top With:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chives or scallions
  • Extra shredded cheese
• Dip Add-Ons:
  • Sliced sausage, apple wedges, or roasted veggies
  • Serve with mustard or hot honey on the side

Beer Pairing

• Best in the dip:
  • Amber ale
  • Golden lager
  • Wheat beer
• Best in the glass:
  • Same beer used in the dip
  • Pilsner or Kölsch for contrast
  • Brown ale for extra malt backbone

Final Thoughts

Beer Cheese & Pretzel Skillet Dip is the kind of dish that doesn’t need a pitch — it sells itself.

It’s warm, gooey, carb-loaded, and built for pulling, dipping, and devouring.
Perfect for tailgates, board game nights, or impressing guests without a ton of work.

Cheers to skillet snacks and cheese that bites back! 🧀🥨🍺

🍺 Explore Our Top Cooking with Beer Recipe Collections

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