These pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and just perfectly salted, making them a snack you can’t resist! Paired with creamy beer cheese, they are a tasty treat.
Honestly, what’s better than sharing a plate of warm pretzel bites with friends? The beer cheese dip makes it even more fun, so grab a few and enjoy the party! 🍻
I love whipping these up for game nights! They’re super simple to make and always put a smile on everyone’s faces—especially when they’re dipped in that cheesy goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes your pretzel bites fluffy and light. If you’re out, you can use instant yeast instead, using the same amount. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients!
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for that chewy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend can work, though the texture will differ slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute if you’re keeping it dairy-free. Just keep the flavor in check!
Beer: For the cheese dip, any light beer like a lager or pale ale works well. If avoiding alcohol, use vegetable broth or non-alcoholic beer to replicate some flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pretzel Bites Are Perfectly Chewy?
The secret to that satisfying chew lies in the baking soda bath. This step is crucial! It creates that nice golden color and distinct pretzel flavor.
- Prepare a strong baking soda solution by mixing water and baking soda.
- Boil the pretzel bites for about 30 seconds. This helps set their shape.
- Make sure they are spaced well on the baking sheet for even baking!
Don’t skip the egg wash! It gives a beautiful brown finish and helps the coarse salt stick.
Pretzel Bites and Beer Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Finely chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
For the Beer Cheese Dip:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup beer (a pale ale or lager works well)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Finely chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook. Additionally, allow about 1 hour for the dough to rise, bringing the total time to approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Perfect for family gatherings or game days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, which means the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir everything until well combined, and then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Preheat the Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into four equal sections. Roll each section into a long rope, about 1 inch thick, then cut each rope into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1 ½ inches long.
6. Make the Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This bath will give your pretzel bites their characteristic flavor and color.
7. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Carefully drop about 15 pretzel bites into the boiling water, boiling them for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash (mixture of egg yolk and water) and sprinkle them with coarse sea salt.
9. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and enticing!
10. Make the Beer Cheese Dip:
While the pretzel bites are baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
11. Add Beer and Milk:
Slowly whisk in the beer and milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
12. Stir in Cheese and Seasonings:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the dip is creamy.
13. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the beer cheese dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives. Sprinkle the baked pretzel bites with grated Parmesan and extra chives for a delicious finish.
14. Enjoy!
Serve the warm pretzel bites alongside the creamy beer cheese dip for dipping. Enjoy this tasty treat with family and friends!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast! Use the same amount but mix it directly into the flour instead of activating it first. The pretzels will still turn out great!
What If I Don’t Have Coarse Sea Salt?
No worries! If you don’t have coarse sea salt, regular kosher salt or even table salt will work. Just be cautious not to over-salt, as the flavors will be stronger with finer salts!
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, you can also wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a container. Reheat in the oven or microwave to enjoy them warm again!
Can I Make the Beer Cheese Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beer cheese dip ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until smooth.
