Print

Homemade Honey Mustard Pretzel Bites: Easy Beer Cheese Dip

homemade honey mustard pretzel bites - featured image

Chewy, golden pretzel bites coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, paired with a rich and creamy beer cheese dip. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ยฝ cups warm water (110ยฐF to 115ยฐF)
  • 2 ยผ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 cups water
  • โ…“ cup baking soda
  • ยผ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ยฝ cup beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110ยฐF to 115ยฐF), yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let it rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 20 minutes until puffed.
  4. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). 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 baking soda.
  5. Shape the bites: Punch down dough and divide into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces to get about 48 bites.
  6. Boil the pretzel bites: Drop 8 to 10 pieces into boiling baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
  7. Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until deep golden brown and firm.
  8. Make the glaze: While baking, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, and melted butter in a small bowl.
  9. Glaze and broil: Remove pretzel bites from oven. Brush generously with honey mustard glaze. Return to oven and broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes until glaze bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely.
  10. Make the beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk and beer, whisking constantly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately with warm pretzel bites.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath for authentic pretzel texture. Watch the broiler closely as the glaze can burn quickly. Shred your own cheese for a smooth dip. The dough is forgiving and doesn’t require a long rise.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day appetizer, homemade pretzels, easy snack