If you need an easy appetizer that always disappears fast, this Pretzel Dip is a good one to keep in your back pocket. It's a cold cream cheese dip loaded with bacon, sharp cheddar cheese and green onions, and it comes together in about five minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Made this as an appetizer for a social hour before a wedding reception and had lots a people asking for the recipe. Absolutely a keeper - Delicious!"
- Penny
We usually serve it with pretzel twists, but it's just as good with pretzel bites, crackers or fresh vegetables. Since there's no cooking involved, it's an easy option for game day gatherings, holiday parties or those last-minute situations when you need something to bring and don't have much time.
This recipe started with one from my grandma's recipe box and got a few updates over the years. The addition of bacon and sharp cheddar takes a simple cream cheese dip and turns it into something people always seem to gather around.
If you're looking for an appetizer you can make ahead, pull together in minutes and serve with almost anything, this bacon cheddar pretzel dip will do the trick.
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Quick Wins 🙌
- Ready in about 5 minutes with no cooking required
- Cold cream cheese dip loaded with bacon, cheddar and green onions
- Can be made up to 3 days ahead
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Great for parties, game day and holiday gatherings
Game Plan 📋
If you're short on time or trying to stay ahead of the chaos, this is an easy one to prep early and forget about until you need it. Here's some ways to be prepared:
- You can make the dip up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving and it's ready to go.
- Let the dip sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This softens the cream cheese slightly and makes the dip easier to scoop.
- For game day or a party, double the recipe and serve it in a wide bowl with a mix of dippers like pretzels, chips or veggies so everyone can help themselves.
- If it thickens in the fridge, just stir in a small splash of milk or cream to bring it back to the right consistency.
Ingredients 🛒
Here's what you'll need, along with a few notes about key ingredients for making this perfect dip.
- Heavy whipping cream: Half and half or milk would work, but the heavy whipping cream adds a bit of a richer flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Full fat or light works well with this recipe. You could replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar flavor.
- Horseradish: There isn't much horseradish in this, but it adds a great hint of flavor. If horseradish isn't your favorite, you could leave it out. Several people who have made this have mentioned they left the horseradish out and it was still delicious!
- Garlic: I like to use minced garlic in a jar for convenience, but 1 clove from a head of garlic would be equivalent to the ½ teaspoon of minced that the recipe calls for. You could also use about ¼ teaspoon garlic powder in place of the fresh garlic.
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar would also work, but the extra sharp adds a more pronounced flavor. You could also do a mix of different cheeses based on what you have on hand.
- Cream cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese. Take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before you plan to use it. I prefer full fat but you could try using ⅓-less fat or fat free cream cheese for a lighter version. (If you try this, let me know how it turns out in the comments!)
- Bacon: You will need 3 pieces of cooked and crumbled bacon. I like to make a few extra pieces to sprinkle on top. If you prefer, you could use store bought pre-cooked bacon.
Scroll to the recipe card below for all ingredient amounts and details.
Recipe Variations
- Add more heat. If you'd like a bit more heat, add more hot sauce. For a bit more heat AND a little color, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on top before serving.
- Ranch-Herb: Mix in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning and a sprinkle of dried dill.
- Smoky Cheddar: Use smoked cheddar cheese and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Spicy Jalapeño: Fold in diced pickled jalapeños and a dash of cayenne.
This pretzel cheese dip has not been tested with these variations. If you give any of these a try, please let me know how it worked out in the comments below!
Equipment Needed
- Hand mixer: This is an optional piece of equipment for this recipe, but it does make things a bit more simple. I love my cordless hand mixer and use it all the time!
- Mixing bowl: This entire recipe is mixed in one bowl. I like the option of nested mixing bowls in my kitchen, because options are great!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1:
In a medium sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer, mix on low speed until combined.
It's ok if there are some lumps, it will all mix together with the remaining ingredients.
Step 2:
Add the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and garlic. Mix on low speed just until combined.
Step 3:
Add the bacon, cheese and green onions and, using a rubber spatula, fold the ingredients together until combined.
Step 4:
Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least several hours before serving with your favorite pretzel shape and size.
Expert Tips
- Make it ahead. This great dip is best after it has had time to allow all the flavors to meld together. I like to make it the night before I plan to serve it, but giving it several hours in the fridge works too.
- Skip the hand mixer. If you wanted, you could easily mix the ingredients by hand until smooth before adding the bacon, cheese and green onions.
- Extra bacon. Save a few bacon crumbles and sliced green onions to sprinkle on top.
- Double it! Double the recipe to ensure you have plenty. It goes fast!
Serving Suggestions
This dip is always a crowd-pleaser, and there are so many fun ways to serve it:
- Classic with Pretzels: Pile up crunchy pretzel twists, rods or soft pretzel bites.
- Veggie Platter: Add carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, or cucumber slices.
- Game Day Spread: Serve alongside chips, crackers or tortilla scoops.
- Slider Spread: Use as a topping or spread for mini sandwiches or sliders.
- Party Board: Pair with cured meats, cheeses and pickles on a snack board.
- After-School Snack: Portion into small containers with pretzel sticks for a quick grab-and-go treat.
FAQ
Yes. This easy pretzel dip recipe can easily be doubled and it's actually a good idea to do so. This dip goes so fast!
While this is best with salty pretzels, you could also dip crackers, fresh veggies, tortilla chips, or potato chips in this and it would be delicious. I've also spread it on bread and made little tea sandwiches. Soft pretzels would be great for dipping too!
Yes! Greek yogurt works as a lighter swap for sour cream in this pretzel dip. It will give the dip a tangier flavor and slightly thicker texture, but it's still creamy and delicious.
Yes. This dip can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover creamy pretzel dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Feezer: Freezing this dip is not recommended.
More Recipes To Try
Looking for other recipes to make? Try these:
If you make this pretzel dip, I'd love to hear how it goes. ❤️
Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram Instagram @heysnickerdoodle so I can see!
Recipe
Pretzel Dip
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp horseradish
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 3 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream and mayonnaise. Uisng a hand mixer, mix on low speed just until combined.3 ounces cream cheese, softened, ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream, ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- Add the Worschestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and garlic. Mix on low just until combined.1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, ½ tsp horseradish, ½ tsp garlic, minced
- Add bacon, cheese and green onions. Using a rubber spatula, fold the ingredients together until combined. Refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving with your favorite pretzel shape and size.3 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled, 1 ½ cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, ⅓ cup green onions, chopped
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and may not be entirely precise.
Melissa Valley says
Dangerously delicious! And we agree---best with pretzels.
Ashlyn Meredith says
Dangerously delicious is the perfect description for this dip. Glad you enjoyed it!
D. Daniel says
You are right. Double the recipe; you’ll need to…
Jennifer says
could you bake this?!
Ashlyn Meredith says
I'm so sorry, but I have not tried this warm. I like the sounds of that though! I don't see why it wouldn't be great baked. Let me know if you give it a try!
Lisa says
Can you tell me what hot sauce to use? There is a variety at the store and I want the one specifically used in the recipe to ensure it melds well. Looks delicious.
Ashlyn Meredith says
I ususally use Frank's Red Hot or Tabasco. There's only a little bit in there and it adds just a hint of flavor and heat, so whichever you choose will be great!
Amy Jo McCord says
I made this. All I can say is "Shut the Front Door!" (That's so no one else gets it!)
Ashlyn Meredith says
So good, right? Glad you enjoyed it!
Kelli says
check calorie calculation
Ashlyn Meredith says
Done. Thanks!
JRiley says
I love how you add the ingredients beneath each direction. It's so much easier than having to scroll up and down. Brilliant! Thank you for that and for sharing the recipe.
stephanie says
Looks good! But why is this called "Pretzel Dip"?
Ashlyn Meredith says
Becasue it's eaten with pretzels.
Cathy P says
This is delicious. Just the right amount of heat that doesn't overwhelm the great flavors. My new favorite dip. Thank you for the recipe!
Denise says
Do you whip heavy cream first? I am not getting right consistancy. Thanks!
Ashlyn Meredith says
Nope! You just mix it in.
Leslie Nabors says
I love this dip before even making it!
1) I already have all the ingredients-including pretzel chips.
2) As JRiley said, I ABSOLUTELY love the recipe format!! Thank you!!! Finally a recipe from someone who’s used a recipe before!
Going to make it now-I’m sure it will be amazing 🤩
Shannon W says
Made for a party and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again.
Jean says
Will it be just as good if you leave out bacon? I have a friend that doesn’t eat meat.
Ashlyn Meredith says
That's a great question! I haven't tried that. There are plenty of other delicious flavors in there, so I suspect it will still taste good. Let me know if you try it!
lorraine says
i will be doing that. i've also done that with other dips with no problem.
Penny Farley says
Made this as an appetizer for a social hour before a wedding reception and had lots a people asking for the recipe. Absolutely a keeper - Delicious!
Pinterest user says
Just wanted to let you know in case you weren't aware, Pinterest is blocking this site because "it may lead to spam". Makes no sense because obviously it isn't spam at all.
Quentin Meredith says
10 out of 10 would make it my mouth is watering.