These warm pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and just the right size for snacking! Paired with creamy beer cheese, they make a fun and tasty treat for any gathering.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a warm pretzel that you can dip? I could munch on these all day and still want more! Perfect for game nights or movie marathons!
Making these bites is a breeze! Just whip up the dough, twist them into cute shapes, and enjoy them fresh from the oven with that cheesy dip—so easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Use warm water at 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just feel it—it should be warm but not hot. Cold water won’t help the yeast rise.
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making your pretzels fluffy. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast; just skip the proofing step.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to your pretzel bites. For a different flavor and texture, you might try half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.
Beer: A lager or ale is great for the cheese dip. If you want an alcohol-free option, use non-alcoholic beer or even broth for a similar flavor.
Creamy Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for a bold taste, but you could also mix in gouda or mozzarella if that’s what you have. Just keep it melty!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Pretzel Texture?
To get that classic pretzel texture, boiling the bites in a baking soda solution is key. This process gives them a shiny appearance and chewy texture. Make sure you follow these steps:
- Bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil before adding the bites.
- Drop a handful of bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds each.
- Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon to avoid any boiling splashes.
After boiling, the egg wash helps to achieve that gorgeous golden color in the oven. Don’t skip the coarse sea salt sprinkle—it adds a nice texture and flavor contrast!
Pretzel Bites And Beer Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
For the Beer Cheese Dip:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take approximately 2 hours. You’ll need about 1 hour for the dough to rise and an additional 30 minutes for preparing and baking the pretzel bites, plus a few minutes to make the cheese dip. Enjoy the process as you create these delicious snacks!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough:
Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Stir it well and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add the flour and salt into the yeast mixture and stir until it forms a dough. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
2. Form Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 3 equal parts and roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long. Cut these ropes into 1.5-inch pieces to create your pretzel bites. Now, in a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil to prepare for the next step.
3. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Carefully drop the pretzel bites in batches into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds each. After boiling, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and then sprinkle them with coarse sea salt.
4. Bake Pretzel Bites:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool slightly.
5. Make Beer Cheese Dip:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beer and milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Keep cooking until it thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard and cayenne pepper (if using), along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and keep warm.
6. Serve:
Arrange your delicious pretzel bites on a wooden board or plate. Serve them warm alongside the creamy beer cheese dip for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
These warm, fluffy pretzel bites combined with the rich beer cheese dip are a perfect treat for any occasion! Enjoy your homemade delight!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in the same quantity. You won’t need to proof it in water; simply mix it with the flour and salt before adding the wet ingredients.
How Can I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Let the pretzel bites cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
What If I Don’t Have Any Beer for the Cheese Dip?
No worries! If you don’t have beer, you can use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute. Just adjust the seasoning slightly, as broth can be saltier than beer.
How Can I Make the Pretzel Bites More Flavorful?
To amp up the flavor, you can add some garlic powder or onion powder to the dough. Additionally, you can sprinkle spices like Everything Bagel seasoning or fresh herbs on top before baking to add extra taste and texture!