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Cozy Soft Pretzel Bites with Easy Beer Cheese Dip

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These soft pretzel bites are chewy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and served with a creamy beer cheese dip. A comforting, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game days or cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups water (for the baking soda bath)
  • ⅔ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for beer cheese dip)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for beer cheese dip)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup beer (pale ale or lager)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 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. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 ¼ cups flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the baking soda bath: About 15 minutes before dough is done rising, bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add baking soda (it will bubble up), then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces (about 12-15 per rope, 48-60 total).
  7. The baking soda bath: Working in batches of 6-8 pieces, drop pretzel bites into simmering baking soda water for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
  8. Egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and slightly puffed.
  10. Make the beer cheese dip while pretzels bake: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk and beer, whisking continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  11. Finish the cheese sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese by the handful, stirring until each addition is melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over very low heat.
  12. Serve immediately: Transfer warm pretzel bites to a serving platter with the beer cheese dip in a small bowl in the center.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for authentic pretzel flavor and color. Shred your own cheese for a smooth sauce. Serve warm for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day appetizer, homemade pretzels, comfort food

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