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Crispy Bavarian Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

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Quick and easy soft pretzel bites with a chewy crust, boiled in a baking soda bath and baked until golden, served with a sharp, creamy homemade beer cheese dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling water)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup lager or pilsner beer
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, stirring until dough forms.
  3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 10-15 minutes.
  4. While dough rises, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Reduce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Punch down dough and roll into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  6. Boil dough cubes in batches for 30 seconds per side until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  7. Place boiled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until deeply golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes.
  9. For the dip, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute.
  10. Slowly whisk in beer and milk. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  11. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  12. Serve pretzel bites warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

Ensure the boiling water is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent breaking the dough. The baking soda bath is essential for the dark color and chewy texture. For gluten-free versions, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese, soft pretzels, game day snack, quick recipes, comfort food, Bavarian

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/crispy-bavarian-soft-pretzel-bites-with-beer-cheese-30-min/