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Cozy Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe with Easy Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

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Soft pretzel bites with a chewy center and crispy crust paired with a rich, creamy beer cheese dip. Perfect for casual entertaining and comfort snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (60g) baking soda
  • 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
  • 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) beer (mild lager or amber ale)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then pour in melted butter. Mix and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, tacky but not sticky. Add flour if too sticky.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil the bowl, cover dough, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring 10 cups (2.4 liters) water to a boil in a large pot, then carefully add baking soda.
  5. Shape pretzel bites: Punch down dough, divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a ½ inch thick rope, cut into 1-inch bites.
  6. Boil bites: Drop pretzel bites into boiling baking soda water for 20-30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone mat.
  7. Salt and bake: Brush bites with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed.
  8. Make beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese and beer. Stir until smooth and warm. Add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir until melted and creamy.
  9. Serve warm: Transfer pretzel bites to a bowl and serve with warm beer cheese dip.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath to achieve the iconic pretzel crust and flavor. Use mild lager or amber ale for the dip to avoid bitterness. Boil pretzel bites just 20-30 seconds to keep chewy texture. Dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for slow rise. Brush with butter after baking for a glossy finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, snack, appetizer, comfort food, easy recipe, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe-with-easy-creamy-beer-cheese-dip/