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Easy Baked Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

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These Easy Baked Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip are the perfect game day snack—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, paired with a rich, creamy beer cheese dip. Made with simple ingredients and a quick baking soda bath, they deliver authentic pretzel flavor without any fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 6 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 (light lager or pilsner)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups flour until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 4-5 minutes (stand mixer) or 6-8 minutes (by hand) until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Form dough into a ball, place in bowl, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring 6 cups water to a boil, then add ¼ cup baking soda (careful—it will bubble). Reduce to a simmer.
  5. Shape the pretzel bites: Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 12-15 inch rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces (about 48-60 total).
  6. Boil the pretzel bites: Working in batches, boil bites in baking soda water for 30 seconds per side. Remove with slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet.
  7. Brush and salt: Brush each bite with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes.
  9. Make the beer cheese dip: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and beer until thickened (2-3 minutes). Reduce heat to low, add cheddar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Serve: Transfer pretzel bites to a platter with warm beer cheese dip.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for the pretzel flavor and dark crust. Use fresh yeast and shred your own cheese for the smoothest dip. Keep the dip warm over low heat or in a small slow cooker.

Nutrition

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

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