If you’re wondering what to serve with your pretzels, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I list 11 of the most popular side dishes for pretzels.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best things to serve with pretzels include Obatzda spread, jalapeno cheese dip, spicy honey mustard sauce, and hot crab dip. For a more filling meal, serve braised red cabbage, German goulash, or bratwurst and sauerkraut. For a dessert, serve the pretzels with chocolate brownie dip.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Obatzda
Obatzda is a popular Bavarian beer and cheese spread.
It’s a creamy, rich mix of aged cheese (normally camembert or brie), butter, beer, and spices like paprika and caraway seeds.
The end result is a complex spread that’s perfect for dipping a salty pretzel in.
This Obatzda is a must-have if you’re planning a traditional Oktoberfest party.
Psst… if you don’t mind something a little less traditional, try this beer cheese dip with cheddar, gruyere, and mozzarella.
Jalapeno popper cheese dip
This dip is a perky contrast to the previous spread, it’s still cheesy but it also has a fiery kick to it.
Don’t skimp on the panko bread crumb topping, because they add a nice crunch that contrasts with the softness of the dip and the pretzel.
To take the dip a step further, you could even sprinkle some crushed-up hard pretzels on the top.
This cheese jalapeno popper dip is pretty addictive!
Bratwurst and caramelized sauerkraut
Bratwurst are traditional German sausages and sauerkraut is like the German version of pickles (or at least that’s how I’d describe it).
Pretzels, sausage, and a little bit of the salty, sour sauerkraut makes for a great lunch!
Like a fancy sausage sandwich.
This beer-braised bratwurst and caramelized sauerkraut will become one of your new favorite recipes.
Spicy honey mustard sauce
Who doesn’t like a sweet, tangy mustard sauce? This is an all-time favorite dip for pretzels.
You can find bottled honey mustard sauce in grocery stores but (just like pretzels) the homemade stuff is so much better.
It’s quick and easy too – you can get the dip on the table in less than 5 minutes!
This spicy honey mustard sauce has a small amount of cayenne pepper to add some heat.
Hot crab dip
If you’re after a dip with a bit more substance to it, my go-to is a crab dip.
This hot crab dip is full of flavor and comforting to eat. And the horseradish gives the dip a little zing and cuts through all the richness.
My guilty pleasure is eating this with a spoon to scrape the little burnt edges a pretzel can’t get to.
German beef goulash
If you’re looking for something more hearty than just a dip, try out this comforting goulash.
It’s the perfect stew for a winter’s day, and every stew needs some delicious bread to mop up all the sauce – which is where the pretzels come in.
This German goulash is a one-pot dish that’s packed with flavor and tender beef.
It might take a while to cook, but it’s definitely worth it!
Braised red cabbage
Use your pretzel to scoop a bit of this sweet, but tart cabbage up for a tasty lunch or a quick snack.
The dish sounds simple but it can really elevate your pretzel experience.
The vibrant color looks great, and it has a depth of flavor that you would never expect from cabbage.
Check out this traditional German recipe from Bernice at dishnthekitchen.
Charcuterie
One of my favorite ways to serve pretzels is with a variety of different meats, cheese, fruits, and chutneys.
Charcuterie boards are fun, easy ways to make sure everyone is happy.
I personally love a bite of pretzel with some brie and a smidge of caramelized red onion chutney.
This onion chutney is a wonderful alternative to the usual pickles and has a sweetness that works well with a salty pretzel.
Avocado hummus
Most of the dips you’ll see suggested for pretzels contain cheese, but if you’re not a fan of cheese this avocado hummus is a great option.
It’s smooth, creamy, refreshing, and healthy!
The lime juice in the recipe gives it some tang and the bright green color is perfect for summer.
Psst… why not serve a trio of hummus with other flavors like caramelized onion or red pepper.
Spinach and artichoke dip
Do you want something a bit more upmarket than a melty-cheese dip?
Fret no more, this fancy-sounding but easy side dish is just what you’re looking for.
A mixture of spinach, artichokes, and cheese – the dip has earthy undertones and is filled with nutrients.
To make this spinach and artichoke dip all you need to do is mix the ingredients and bake it! You can serve it hot or cold.
And if you run out of pretzels, this dip goes well with potato crisps too.
Chocolate brownie batter dip
No pretzel party would be complete without a chocolaty pairing.
For those with a sweet tooth, this brownie batter dip is an easy no-bake, no-fail side dip.
It tastes just like you’re licking the bowl of your mom’s famous brownies, but without all the yucky raw eggs.
Kids will go crazy for it!
The best side dishes for pretzels
- Obatzda
- Jalapeno popper cheese dip
- Bratwurst and caramelized sauerkraut
- Spicy honey mustard sauce
- Hot crab dip
- German beef goulash
- Braised red cabbage
- Charcuterie
- Avocado hummus
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Chocolate brownie batter dip
What To Serve With Pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 portion pretzels
Instructions
- Prepare your pretzels according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: Obatzda, jalapeno popper cheese dip, bratwurst and caramelized sauerkraut, spicy honey mustard sauce, hot crab dip, german beef goulash, braised red cabbage, charcuterie, avocado hummus, spinach and artichoke dip, chocolate brownie batter dip.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!