Print

Easy Game Day Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Sauce

Game day pretzel bites with beer cheese sauce - featured image
Print Recipe

Soft, chewy pretzel bites paired with a creamy beer cheese sauce, perfect for game day snacking. This easy recipe turns a happy accident into a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water (for boiling bath)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups flour, half cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 6 cups water and baking soda to a boil.
  6. Shape the bites: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 1-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Boil the bites: Drop 6-8 bites into boiling baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bites.
  8. Bake: Sprinkle boiled bites with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  9. Brush with butter: Immediately brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  10. Make cheese sauce: While pretzels bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and beer, whisking until thickened (3-4 minutes). Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their signature flavor and color. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Grate your own cheese to avoid grainy sauce. Start cheese sauce just before pretzels come out of oven for optimal serving temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese, game day snack, appetizer, party food, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/easy-game-day-pretzel-bites-with-beer-cheese-sauce/