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Best Soft Pretzel Bites with Easy Beer Cheese Dip

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Warm, salty, and chewy homemade soft pretzel bites served with a creamy beer cheese dip. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for brushing after baking)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for beer cheese dip)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for beer cheese dip)
  • ¾ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
  • ½ cup beer (stout or amber ale recommended)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and brown sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 ½ cups flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a ½-inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add ½ cup baking soda (it will bubble). Reduce to a simmer. Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into water for 30 seconds, flipping halfway. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to baking sheet.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush each pretzel bite with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  8. While baking, make beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and beer, stirring constantly until thickened (3 to 4 minutes). Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove pretzel bites from oven. Optionally brush with melted butter. Serve immediately with warm beer cheese dip.

Notes

Don’t over-boil the pretzel bites—30 seconds is perfect. Use a wide pot for the baking soda bath. Work in small batches. Keep beer cheese warm; if it thickens, whisk in a splash of milk. Don’t skip the egg wash for a golden color. Let dough rest if it springs back when shaping.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, homemade pretzels, party appetizer, game day snack, Oktoberfest recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/best-soft-pretzel-bites-with-easy-beer-cheese-dip/