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Crispy Bavarian Pretzel Bites: Best Homemade Beer Cheese Dip

Bavarian pretzel bites - featured image
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Quick and easy homemade pretzel bites with a signature boiling soda bath, served with a sharp, creamy beer cheese dip. Perfect for game day or a cozy weeknight snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup lager or pilsner beer
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for dip)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dip roux)
  • 1 cup whole milk (for dip)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Coarse sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 20-30 minutes.
  4. While dough rises, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Stir in baking soda and reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Punch down risen dough. Divide into 16-20 pieces. Roll each into a ball or short rope.
  6. Working in batches, boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds on each side in the baking soda water.
  7. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Sprinkle boiled pretzels with coarse sea salt.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  10. For the dip, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to make a roux.
  11. Slowly whisk in milk and beer. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  12. Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated cheddar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and cayenne until smooth.
  13. Serve pretzel bites warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

Ensure milk is not too hot (kills yeast) or too cold (doesn’t activate yeast). Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest dip. Boiling the dough in baking soda water is crucial for the authentic pretzel crust and color. Do not confuse baking soda with baking powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, homemade pretzels, game day snacks, bavarian pretzels, quick appetizer, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-bavarian-pretzel-bites-best-homemade-beer-cheese-dip/