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Easy Homemade German Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

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These warm, chewy, and salty pretzel bites are the ultimate shareable appetizer. Paired with a creamy, sharp beer cheese dip, they are a guaranteed hit for game day, Oktoberfest, or any casual get-together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup lager beer
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Make the Dough: Add the melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes, or by hand for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Bites: Punch down the dough and divide into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
  6. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully add ⅓ cup baking soda.
  7. Boil the Bites: Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites for 30 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the boiled bites with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown, rotating the sheet halfway through.
  10. Make the Beer Cheese Dip: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and beer, cooking until thickened (3-4 minutes). Reduce heat to low.
  11. Melt the Cheese: Add shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  12. Serve Immediately: Let pretzel bites cool for 2-3 minutes, then serve warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for the signature pretzel crust. Use a lager you enjoy drinking for the best flavor. Shred your own cheese for a smooth dip. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, German appetizer, game day snack, Oktoberfest, soft pretzels, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-homemade-german-pretzel-bites-with-beer-cheese-dip/