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Cozy German Pretzel Bites with Easy Homemade Beer Cheese Dip

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Soft, golden-brown German pretzel bites paired with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip make a perfect cozy snack or crowd-pleaser for game nights and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 420 g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (360 ml), around 110°F (43°C)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt (plus more for sprinkling)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅔ cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200 g)
  • 1 cup mild beer (240 ml), room temperature (lager or ale)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113 g)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups warm water with 1 tbsp sugar and 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add 3 ½ cups flour, 2 tsp salt, and 4 tbsp melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare baking soda bath by bringing 8 cups (1.9 L) water and ⅔ cup baking soda to a rolling boil.
  6. Shape pretzel bites: Punch down dough, roll into ½ inch thick ropes, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Boil pretzel bites: Using a slotted spoon, boil pieces in baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Season with coarse salt and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp.
  9. Prepare beer cheese dip: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup beer, 4 oz softened cream cheese, ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and warm.
  10. Add cheese: Gradually whisk in 2 cups shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  11. Serve pretzel bites warm with beer cheese dip on the side.

Notes

Keep the baking soda bath at a gentle rolling boil and boil pretzels in small batches to maintain temperature. Avoid over-flouring the dough to keep pretzels chewy. Stir cheese dip slowly over moderate heat to prevent graininess. Optional: sprinkle smoked paprika or fresh chives on dip before serving. Dough and shaped bites can be prepared ahead and refrigerated or frozen before boiling and baking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-german-pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-beer-cheese-dip-ideas/