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Cozy Soft Pretzel Bites with Easy Beer Cheese Dip

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These soft pretzel bites with beer cheese dip are the ultimate cozy snack. They’re warm, chewy, and perfect for game days, movie nights, or any time you need a little comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 cups water (for baking soda bath)
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ⅓ cup beer (stout or ale)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in the bowl for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let it rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  4. Prepare the baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda, stir until dissolved, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  6. Bath the bites: Drop a handful of pretzel bites into the simmering water. Cook for 30 seconds, flip, and cook another 30 seconds. Remove to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all bites.
  7. Add egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
  9. Make the beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan, combine cream cheese, cheddar, beer, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath for authentic pretzel flavor. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth dip. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Nutrition

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

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