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Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

A bowl of golden Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese dipping sauce, sprinkled with coarse salt.
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Bake these soft pretzel bites and serve with a creamy beer cheese dip, perfect for Oktoberfest parties or game day.

Ingredients

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  • 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • Coarse salt, for topping
  • For the Beer Cheese Dip:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup lager beer
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the beer cheese dip. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk and beer until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  10. Place pretzel bites on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  11. In a shallow dish, mix baking soda with 2 cups of water. Dip each pretzel bite into the baking soda solution for about 30 seconds.
  12. Place the dipped pretzel bites back on the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  13. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  14. Serve warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

  • For a richer dip, use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Fontina.
  • You can shape the pretzel dough into traditional pretzel shapes before cutting if desired.
  • If you don’t have beer, you can substitute with an equal amount of milk or chicken broth for the dip.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/soft-pretzel-bites-beer-cheese/