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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

homemade soft pretzel bites with beer cheese dip - featured image
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These homemade soft pretzel bites are warm, salty, chewy, and completely irresistible, paired with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip. Perfect for game day, movie night, or any casual get-together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour works too)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup beer (ale or lager)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: Add the melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium-low speed for 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat and prepare: About 15 minutes before the dough is done rising, preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then carefully add ⅓ cup baking soda. It will bubble up aggressively.
  6. Shape the bites: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces.
  7. The baking soda bath: Reduce the boiling water to a gentle simmer. Drop the pretzel bites into the water in batches, simmer for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Egg wash and salt: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush each pretzel bite generously with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt while the egg wash is still wet.
  9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until deep golden brown and glossy. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
  10. Make the beer cheese dip: While the pretzel bites are baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk and beer, whisking continuously. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and smooth. Keep warm.
  11. Serve: Transfer the warm pretzel bites to a serving platter. Pour the beer cheese dip into a small bowl and place in the center. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for the authentic pretzel flavor and deep brown crust. For the cheese dip, grate your own sharp cheddar for the smoothest texture. The dip can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

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

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