[This post is sponsored by McCormick.]
Hello, fondue — you bring back all my 80s dreams.
Today I’m sharing an Irish-inspired appetizer perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day: spiced Guinness pretzels dunked into a rich Irish cheddar fondue. The combination of a dark, hearty pretzel flavored with warm spices and a creamy cheddar dip is seriously irresistible.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Pittsburgh, and this year the parade falls on the holiday itself. The streets fill with people and green beer, and while I don’t always chase that scene these days, the festive energy is undeniable. The real draw is the huge downtown party surrounding the parade — a lively backdrop for a day of celebration.
I have some wild college memories from parade day — good and bad. One year we dyed a handle of vodka green (don’t ask) and another year my brother disappeared into a long, beer-fueled nap. Still, the outside party and parade atmosphere are a blast when you’re in the right mood.
This year we kept things cozy at home with spiced Guinness pretzels. They’re fantastic — the stout gives the dough a deep color and flavor, while a hint of cinnamon adds an unexpected, savory warmth. Using cinnamon in savory applications elevates the flavor profile in a subtle, compelling way; it’s one of those touches that makes people ask, “What is that?”
The pretzels get a finish of smoked sea salt before baking, which adds a smoky contrast to their soft, malty interior. But the real star is the Irish cheddar fondue. Made with Irish cheddar and dry white wine (or beer, if you prefer), it melts into a silky, indulgent dip. You can broaden the dipping options beyond the pretzels: roasted potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, sliced apples, or even grilled steak are all excellent choices.
This fondue is foolproof: with a little patience and stirring, the cheese melts smoothly and stays creamy when kept warm in a fondue pot. It’s a show-stopping party appetizer, and honestly I wouldn’t complain if fondue became the main course.
Spiced Guinness Pretzels with Irish Cheddar Fondue
16
pretzels
2 hrs
Ingredients
Guinness Pretzels
- 1 12-ounce bottle Guinness
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- McCormick Smoked Sea Salt for topping
Irish Cheddar Fondue
- 1 1/2 cups dry white wine (or substitute Guinness)
- 16 ounces Irish cheddar, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of McCormick Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
Guinness Pretzels
- Warm the beer in a saucepan over medium-low heat until just warm.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm beer, honey, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix on low until combined, then knead on low for 5–10 minutes, until the dough is silky and pulls away from the bowl.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 16 pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch rope and shape into pretzels. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Boil each pretzel 30 seconds, remove with a spatula, and return to the parchment-lined sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon water and brush over each pretzel. Sprinkle with smoked sea salt and bake 15–20 minutes, until golden.
Irish Cheddar Fondue
- Heat the wine (or Guinness) in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Toss the grated cheddar with the cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Lower the heat to low and add the cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg.
- Transfer the fondue to a warmed pot and serve immediately with the pretzels and other dippers.
Did you make this recipe?
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These pretzels also make excellent sandwich buns and pair beautifully with the cheddar sauce. Enjoy — they’re a fun, flavorful way to celebrate the holiday or any cozy gathering.