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Cozy Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe with Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

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Soft pretzel bites with a chewy, golden crust paired with a smooth, tangy beer cheese dip. Perfect for game nights or cozy snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (360ml, about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt, plus coarse salt for sprinkling
  • ⅓ cup baking soda (80g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60g), melted
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (225g)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115g)
  • ¾ cup beer (180ml), mild lager or pale ale
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a medium bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let it rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and add baking soda.
  5. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down dough, divide into 4 portions. Roll each into a ½ inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch pieces. Pinch ends if desired.
  6. Boil bites: Drop pretzel bites into boiling baking soda water for 20-30 seconds until they float. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
  7. Salt and bake: Sprinkle coarse salt over bites. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  8. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
  9. Prepare beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan, combine cheddar, cream cheese, beer, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Do not boil. Add cayenne if desired.
  10. Serve warm pretzel bites with beer cheese dip.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath for chewy crust and golden color. Keep water at a gentle simmer to prevent bites from breaking apart. Stir dip constantly on low heat to avoid lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, snack recipe, game night snack, easy pretzels, homemade pretzels

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