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crispy baked pretzel bites - featured image

Crispy Baked Pretzel Bites with Warm Beer Cheese Dip

  • Author: Karina
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Description

These homemade crispy baked pretzel bites are the ultimate game day snack, featuring a soft interior and crunchy exterior. Served with a rich, tangy warm beer cheese dip, this recipe is affordable, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 4 cups water (for baking soda bath)
  • ¼ cup baking soda (for baking soda bath)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for topping)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup lager or pilsner beer
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for dip)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dip)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, warm water to 110°F. Stir in sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Pour yeast mixture into a large bowl. Add melted butter and salt. Gradually stir in flour until dough comes together.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
  4. Roll dough into a 1-inch thick log and cut into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and stir in baking soda.
  6. Carefully drop pretzel balls into boiling water, one or two at a time. Boil each side for 30 seconds.
  7. Remove pretzels with a slotted spoon, place back on baking sheet, and immediately sprinkle with coarse salt.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  9. While pretzels bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute.
  10. Slowly whisk in beer and milk. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  11. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, hot sauce, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low.
  12. Gradually add grated cheese, stirring constantly until melted. Do not let boil.
  13. Warm dip over low heat for 5 minutes before serving. Serve pretzel bites hot with the dip.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is essential for authentic pretzel flavor and color. Grate your own cheese to prevent graininess in the dip. Keep the dip warm over low heat while serving. For gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and nutritional yeast.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 pr
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: game day snacks, pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, baked pretzels, football snacks, party appetizers, homemade pretzels, beer cheese sauce

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Find it online: https://plateori.com/crispy-baked-pretzel-bites-best-game-day-snack/