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Cozy Bites: 14 Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese
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Enjoy these delicious soft pretzel bites with a creamy beer cheese dip, perfect for sharing during game days or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons coarse salt (for topping)
  • For the Beer Cheese:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. While the dough rises, prepare the beer cheese. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Gradually whisk in milk and beer until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  8. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to low.
  9. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  10. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  11. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Stir in baking soda.
  12. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16-20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  13. Working in batches, boil pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds.
  14. Remove pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  15. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  16. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  17. Serve warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika to the beer cheese.
  • If you don’t have beer, you can substitute with more milk, but the flavor will be different.
  • Ensure your water is the correct temperature for the yeast to activate properly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/soft-pretzel-bites-beer-cheese/