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Savory Pretzel Bites with Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

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Soft, chewy pretzel bites paired with a rich and tangy creamy beer cheese dip, perfect for parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp (7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 10 cups (2.4 liters) water for baking soda bath
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beer (lager or pale ale preferred)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil.
  5. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down dough, roll into a 1-inch thick rope, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 60 bites).
  6. Boil the bites: Drop bites into boiling baking soda water in batches for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Season and bake: Brush bites with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  8. Make the beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan, combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, beer, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve immediately: Let pretzel bites cool slightly and serve warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for authentic pretzel texture and crust. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melting results. Brush pretzel bites with melted butter after baking to keep them soft and rich. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or oat flour but expect a different texture. Non-alcoholic malt beverage or chicken broth can replace beer in the dip.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, party snacks, appetizer, savory snacks, homemade pretzels, easy recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/savory-pretzel-bites-with-creamy-beer-cheese-dip-easy-recipe-for-parties/