While the specific combination of dill pretzels and cider cheese dip is a modern culinary innovation, its roots lie in centuries of tradition. Pretzels have a rich history, believed to have originated in Europe as far back as the 7th century, when monks would bake them as a reward for children who learned their prayers. The pretzel’s iconic twisted shape is said to represent arms crossed in prayer. Over time, they evolved from a religious symbol to a beloved street food and snack, especially in Germany and the United States. The practice of boiling pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking is a classic technique that gives them their distinct, golden-brown crust and chewy interior.