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Easy Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

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These easy soft pretzel bites are perfectly chewy, golden-brown, and served with a creamy beer cheese dip. Made with simple ingredients, they come together in about 90 minutes and are the ultimate game day snack that will impress any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 8 cups water (for baking soda bath)
  • ⅓ cup baking soda (for baking soda bath)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for baking soda bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for beer cheese dip)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for beer cheese dip)
  • 1 cup whole milk (for beer cheese dip)
  • ½ cup beer (lager or pale ale, for beer cheese dip)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded, for beer cheese dip)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for beer cheese dip)
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder (for beer cheese dip)
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (for beer cheese dip)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for beer cheese dip)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F to 115°F), brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 4 to 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the dough, divide into 4 equal pieces, roll each into a 12-14 inch rope, and cut each rope into 1-inch pieces (about 12-15 bites per rope).
  6. Prepare the baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add ⅓ cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon brown sugar (water will foam). Stir gently until dissolved, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  7. Boil the pretzel bites: Working in batches of 5-6 bites, drop them into the simmering water. Boil for 30-40 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
  8. Egg wash and salt: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush each pretzel bite with egg wash (beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
  10. Brush with butter: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Make the beer cheese dip: While pretzels bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly, then add beer and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low, gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for the signature pretzel flavor and dark crust—do not skip it. Use freshly shredded cheese for the dip to avoid graininess. For the beer, choose a lager or pale ale; avoid hoppy IPAs. The dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated after the first rise. Brush with butter immediately after baking for softness and flavor.

Nutrition

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

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