Mustard Dip for Pretzels

Whether you need the perfect snack for game days, backyard hangouts or cozy movie nights, zippy mustard and salty pretzels are the perfect match. This mustard pretzel dip recipe combines sharp, tangy mustard with creamy mayonnaise, smoky bacon and peppery horseradish. The bold flavors are perfect for dunking buttery snaps, crunchy sourdough nuggets, warm soft pretzels and more.

We love easy dip recipes, and with just four ingredients, you can whip up this mustard dip for pretzels in minutes for a spur-of-the-moment gathering. It starts with crisping up a few slices of bacon, then crumbling the bacon into a mixture of Dijon and mayonnaise. Finally, stir in a spoonful of prepared horseradish (or more, if you love extra-hot recipes) and grab a bag of your favorite pretzels.

Ingredients for Mustard Dip for Pretzels

• Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy mayonnaise forms the creamy base of our mustard pretzel dip. Check out our Test Kitchen’s favorite mayonnaise for dips or try homemade mayonnaise for extra-fresh flavor. Not a fan of mayo? Lessen the vinegary taste by substituting sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.
• Dijon mustard: We prefer Dijon for its smooth texture and complex flavor, but you could swap in yellow, honey or whole-grain mustard if that’s what you have in the pantry. If you’re feeling extra, you can make Dijon from scratch.
• Bacon: You can use store-bought bacon bits, but we recommend taking the extra time to fry up a few slices of bacon for the best flavor. Three or four slices of bacon will get you 1/4 cup of crumbles.
• Horseradish: Look for prepared horseradish in the grocery store’s condiment aisle or refrigerated section. You can use more or less horseradish, depending on how much spice you want.
• Pretzels: Mustard dip wouldn’t be complete without pretzels! Build an easy snack board by arranging all shapes and sizes of pretzels around the dip. Alternatively, homemade soft pretzels, corn and tortilla chips, sliced veggies and chicken nuggets would all be delicious with this Dijon bacon mustard dip.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dip ingredients

In a small bowl, stir the mayonnaise, mustard, bacon and horseradish.

Editor’s Tip: For fresh bacon crumbles, fry three or four slices until crispy and let them cool to room temperature. Then, use a knife to chop them into small bits and pieces.

Step 2: Chill the dip

Cover the bowl with storage wrap and refrigerate the mustard dip until ready to serve. When it’s time to dig in, pair the mustard dip with pretzels or any of your favorite dippers.

Editor’s Tip: Although you can serve the dip immediately, letting it chill makes it taste even better. Refrigerate it for at least an hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Recipe Variations

• Replace the mayo: We get it; not everyone likes the taste of mayonnaise. You can substitute sour cream or softened cream cheese for the mayo for a richer yet still creamy dip.
• Lighten it up: Use turkey bacon and plain low-fat yogurt instead of regular bacon and mayo to reduce the fat and calories.
• Make a sweet-and-spicy dip: Add sweetness using honey mustard instead of Dijon, or stir in sugar, honey or maple syrup to balance the spicy ingredients. For extra heat, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Add a garnish: Create texture and give the dip an eye-catching presentation by garnishing with sliced green onion or crispy fried onions just before serving.

How to Store Mustard Dip for Pretzels

If you’re storing the dip just a few hours after making it, simply cover the bowl with storage wrap and pop it in the fridge. If you’re making it the day before or have leftovers, transfer the dip to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Leftover dip will last for up to five days. If you notice any separation, just stir it before serving.

Can you make this mustard pretzel dip recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This mustard dipping sauce for pretzels will be more flavorful after chilling for several hours or overnight. You can make the dip one or two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you need it.

Mustard Dip for Pretzels Tips

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you make this dip without horseradish?

If you don’t have horseradish or don’t care for its sharp, peppery bite, you can leave it out. The dip will still pack plenty of flavor from the bacon, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

How can you make this mustard dip thicker?

If you prefer a thicker mustard dipping sauce for pretzels, swap in sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or softened cream cheese for all or half the mayonnaise. Note that sour cream and cream cheese will create a richer-tasting dip, while yogurt will taste tangier.

What other dippers can you serve with mustard dip?

Besides pretzels, dijon bacon mustard dip is delicious paired with salty corn chips, crunchy breadsticks, or a cracker and cheese plate. Try dunking sliced carrots, celery, bell peppers or broccoli florets for a lighter snack.

The mustard dip also makes a tasty dipping sauce for chicken tenders and nuggets, pigs in a blanket and oven-baked fries. Some readers even use it as a zippy condiment on sandwiches and burgers.