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Easy Soft Pretzel Bites with 5-Ingredient Beer Cheese Dip

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These easy soft pretzel bites are golden, chewy, and perfect for game day or any gathering. Paired with a creamy 5-ingredient beer cheese dip, they come together in under an hour using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Optional: 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 3 ½ cups flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add more flour if needed. Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 20 minutes.
  4. Bring 8 cups water and ⅓ cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Reduce to a simmer. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 1-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
  6. Drop 8-10 pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bites.
  7. Score an ‘X’ on top of each bite with a sharp knife. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway, until deep golden brown.
  8. Brush baked pretzel bites with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  9. For the dip: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, then beer. Cook until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar, and stir until melted. Add cream cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it creates the signature pretzel crust. Shred your own cheese for the smoothest dip. Pretzel bites are best served warm.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-soft-pretzel-bites-with-5-ingredient-beer-cheese-dip/