Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip Recipe (Copycat Version)
If you’ve ever dined at Applebee’s, chances are you’ve tried (or at least been tempted by) their warm pretzels with beer cheese dip. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy with that malty beer flavor — the perfect appetizer to share (or keep all to yourself).
In this copycat Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip Recipe, you’ll learn how to make the rich, velvety cheese dip at home — along with soft, buttery pretzel bites to go with it. This easy recipe brings all the restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen without the extra cost.
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip Recipe
- 🧀 Creamy and cheesy: The perfect blend of cheddar and cream cheese gives it that irresistible smooth texture.
- 🍺 Flavorful beer base: Adds depth and a subtle malty flavor (you can even use non-alcoholic beer).
- 🥨 Homemade pretzel bites: Soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping.
- ⏱️ Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- 🍴 Great for parties or game day: This dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
What Is Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip?
Applebee’s famous beer cheese dip is a creamy cheddar-based sauce made with beer, garlic, and seasonings, typically served with warm pretzel sticks or bites. The dip is rich, slightly tangy, and smooth, making it the ultimate comfort snack or appetizer.
The key to recreating the restaurant-style flavor is using a good-quality beer and sharp cheddar cheese, which balance each other beautifully. This copycat recipe gives you the same mouthwatering flavor in your own kitchen — perfect for any casual get-together or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Applebee’s beer cheese dip and soft pretzel bites.
🧀 For the Beer Cheese Dip:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup beer (lager, pale ale, or non-alcoholic beer)
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🥨 For the Soft Pretzel Bites:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- ⅔ cup baking soda (for boiling water)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
How to Make Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip
Follow these easy steps to make both the cheese dip and pretzel bites from scratch.
Step 1: Make the Pretzel Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt, melted butter, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).
Step 2: Shape the Pretzel Bites
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope (about ½ inch thick) and cut into 1-inch pieces to form pretzel bites.
Step 3: Boil the Pretzel Bites
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water (10–12 at a time) for 30 seconds each.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Step 4: Bake the Pretzels
Bake the pretzel bites for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter for that irresistible sheen and flavor.
Step 5: Make the Beer Cheese Dip
While the pretzels are baking, prepare the cheese dip:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until slightly bubbly (this forms a roux).
- Slowly pour in the beer while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately with warm pretzel bites!
Expert Tips for the Best Beer Cheese Dip
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t boil the cheese: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid a grainy texture.
- Choose the right beer: A mild lager or pale ale works best — avoid overly bitter IPAs.
- Add heat if you like: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Make ahead: The dip can be made a day ahead and reheated gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Beer Substitutes (Non-Alcoholic Options)
If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can still enjoy this recipe! Try these substitutes:
- Non-alcoholic beer (for the same malty flavor)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Apple cider (adds a subtle sweetness)
- Sparkling water with a splash of malt vinegar (for tang)
These alternatives keep the dip flavorful while making it family-friendly.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize this Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip Recipe to your taste. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Spicy Jalapeño Beer Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce.
- Bacon Beer Cheese: Stir in cooked crumbled bacon before serving.
- Smoky Gouda Blend: Replace half the cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack.
- Garlic Herb Pretzels: Mix garlic powder and dried herbs into melted butter before brushing over pretzels.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep pretzel bites in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat the dip gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed.
- Warm pretzel bites in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until soft again.
What to Serve with Beer Cheese Dip
Besides pretzel bites, you can serve this creamy dip with:
- Tortilla chips
- Crusty bread cubes
- Vegetables like celery, carrots, or broccoli
- Sausages or bratwurst slices
- Soft breadsticks
This dip truly goes with anything salty or crunchy!
FAQs About Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip
1. What kind of beer does Applebee’s use in their beer cheese dip?
Applebee’s doesn’t disclose the exact beer brand, but it’s typically a light lager or ale that complements the cheddar without overpowering it.
2. Can I use pre-made soft pretzels?
Absolutely! Store-bought soft pretzels or frozen pretzel bites work great for a shortcut — just heat them up and serve with your homemade beer cheese dip.
3. Can I make this dip gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free beer (or broth) and gluten-free flour in the roux. Pair it with gluten-free pretzels for a safe and tasty snack.
4. How do I thicken my beer cheese dip?
If your dip is too thin, whisk in a little more shredded cheese or let it simmer for an extra minute or two until it thickens naturally.
5. Can I make the dip in a slow cooker?
Yes! Make the roux and cheese sauce on the stove first, then transfer to a slow cooker on “warm” to keep it creamy for parties or game day.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
This Applebee’s Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip Recipe is the ultimate comfort food appetizer. It’s rich, creamy, and full of that pub-style flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting a game night, having friends over, or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
With soft, buttery pretzel bites and that smooth, cheesy dip, you’ll never need to head to Applebee’s again for your fix. Try it once — and it’ll become your go-to appetizer recipe every time.
