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Crispy Pretzel Bites Recipe with Easy Homemade Beer Cheese Dip

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Quick and easy crispy pretzel bites with a creamy, flavorful homemade beer cheese dip. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7 g) instant yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 cups (2.4 L) water for boiling with ⅓ cup (80 g) baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g)
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beer (lager or ale)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms (about 3 minutes).
  2. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with dough hook on medium speed for about 6 minutes.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda carefully; keep at a rolling boil.
  5. Punch down dough and roll into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces to make 40-50 bites.
  6. Boil 6-8 pretzel bites at a time in baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Brush each bite with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  8. While baking, combine cheddar, cream cheese, beer, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and black pepper in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and melted (5-7 minutes). Add Worcestershire sauce if using, then remove from heat.
  9. Serve pretzel bites warm with the beer cheese dip for dunking.

Notes

Keep a close eye on pretzel bites while baking to avoid burning. The baking soda bath is essential for the signature crust. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Substitute non-alcoholic beer or chicken broth in the dip if avoiding alcohol. Gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

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

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