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Cozy Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe with Easy Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

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Soft, warm pretzel bites with a chewy crust paired with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip, perfect for cozy gatherings and quick snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups (2.4 liters) water for boiling
  • 2/3 cup (about 100g) baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beer (lager or ale)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then carefully add baking soda.
  6. Punch down the dough and roll into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  7. Boil pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Sprinkle coarse salt over pretzel bites and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  9. While baking, heat beer in a saucepan until warm. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  10. Season the dip with garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Keep warm on low heat.
  11. Serve pretzel bites warm with the creamy beer cheese dip.

Notes

If the dip thickens too much, stir in a splash of beer or milk to loosen it. For extra flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika on the dip before serving. Do not boil pretzel bites longer than 1 minute total to avoid excess saltiness and density. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, snack, appetizer, cozy snack, homemade pretzels, easy recipe

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