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Crispy Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

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Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these homemade pretzel bites are boiled in a baking soda bath for authentic flavor and served with a rich, tangy beer cheese dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • 10 cups water (for boiling)
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup lager or pilsner beer
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into 12-15 pieces. Roll each into a rope and cut into 4-5 small pieces. Place on the baking sheet.
  7. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
  8. Brush boiled bites with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  10. While pretzels bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to make a roux.
  11. Gradually whisk in beer, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  12. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until smooth.
  13. Serve pretzel bites warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

Do not skip the boiling step; it creates the signature pretzel texture and color. Use fresh yeast for best results. If you don’t have beer, substitute with beef broth or extra water. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The dip can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

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

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