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Best Baked Pretzel Bites with Easy Beer Cheese Dip

baked pretzel bites with beer cheese dip - featured image
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These baked pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and perfectly salted, served with a creamy beer cheese dip. They’re a game day favorite that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water (for boiling)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining 1 cup of flour. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 20 minutes until puffed.
  5. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Shape the bites: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces (about 12-14 per rope).
  7. The baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add baking soda. Drop pretzel bites in batches (10-12 at a time) and boil for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through.
  8. Bake: Transfer boiled bites to prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until deep golden brown.
  9. Butter them up: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush with melted butter.
  10. Make the beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and smooth. Slowly whisk in beer, then add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and hot.

Notes

Don’t skip the boiling step—it creates the chewy crust. Use freshly shredded cheese for the dip to avoid graininess. For best results, serve warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day snack, baked pretzels, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/best-baked-pretzel-bites-with-easy-beer-cheese-dip/