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Crispy Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe with Easy Creamy Beer Cheese Sauce

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These crispy soft pretzel bites feature a golden, crackly crust and a soft, chewy center, paired perfectly with a rich, tangy, and smooth creamy beer cheese sauce. A quick and fuss-free snack ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup (160 g) baking soda
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz/225 g)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beer (lager or pale ale, or non-alcoholic beer)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) butter
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C) with 1 tbsp sugar and 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add 3 ½ cups flour and 2 tsp salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and slightly springy. Add flour if sticky but keep dough soft.
  3. Let it rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rest in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Prepare baking soda bath: Bring 10 cups (2.4 L) water to a boil in a large saucepan. Carefully add ⅔ cup baking soda, reduce heat to simmer.
  6. Shape pretzel bites: Turn dough onto floured surface, divide into 8 pieces. Roll each into 12-inch ropes, cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Boil bites: Drop pretzel bites into simmering baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
  8. Season and bake: Brush bites with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake 12-15 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
  9. Make beer cheese sauce: Melt 2 tbsp butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour, cook 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in ½ cup beer and ½ cup milk, cook until thickened (3-4 minutes). Lower heat, stir in 2 cups cheddar, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
  10. Serve warm: Let pretzel bites cool slightly, serve with warm beer cheese sauce.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath for authentic pretzel crust and flavor. Use sharp cheddar for best melt and flavor in cheese sauce. If dough is sticky, add flour sparingly to keep pretzels soft. Multitask by preparing cheese sauce while pretzels bake. Reheat pretzels in oven to restore crispness. Non-alcoholic beer or apple cider can substitute beer in sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese sauce, soft pretzels, snack recipe, appetizer, party food, easy pretzels, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/crispy-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe-with-easy-creamy-beer-cheese-sauce/