Name: Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F); 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast; 4.5 cups All-purpose flour; 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted; 0.5 cup Baking soda; 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 0.5 cup Lager or Amber Ale; 0.5 cup Whole milk; 1 tbsp Coarse sea salt

"These pillows of dough are boiled in a signature baking soda bath to achieve a perfect chewy crust and golden-brown finish. Paired with a velvety, rich dip made from sharp cheddar and craft ale, they are the ultimate comfort food experience."

Ingredients

Qty	Item
1.5 cups 355 ml	Warm water (110°F)
2.25 tsp 7 g	Active dry yeast
4.5 cups 560 g	All-purpose flour
2 tbsp 28 g	Unsalted butter, melted
0.5 cup 120 g	Baking soda
2 cups 225 g	Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
0.5 cup 120 ml	Lager or Amber Ale
0.5 cup 120 ml	Whole milk
1 tbsp 15 g	Coarse sea salt

How to Make Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Add melted butter and flour. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.

Roll dough into ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces. Boil bites in batches for 30 seconds each.

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash (optional), sprinkle with sea salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

For the sauce: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tbsp flour for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beer and milk until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese and a pinch of garlic powder until smooth.

·
Don't skip the baking soda bath; it's what gives pretzels their distinct flavor and dark crust.
·
Use freshly grated cheese for the sauce to ensure a smooth, non-grainy texture.
·
A light-colored lager works best for a mild sauce, while an IPA adds a pleasant bitterness.
·
Freeze the raw dough bites after the boil if you want to bake them fresh at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen pretzel dough?

Yes, but you will miss out on the fresh yeast flavor. If using frozen dough, ensure it is fully thawed before the baking soda bath.

Why did my cheese sauce turn out grainy?

Graininess usually happens if the cheese is added while the liquid is boiling. Always remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the cheese.

How do I store leftovers?

Store pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness. The cheese sauce should be refrigerated.

Can I make this alcohol-free?

Absolutely. Replace the beer with additional milk or a flavorful vegetable broth for a similar savory profile.

Video Tutorials

Twisted like a pretzel [Pretzels and Beer cheese]

Beer Cheese is really easy to make at home!

Homemade Pretzel Bites with a Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce | The Inspired Home

Tough to beat this easy gameday snack. Pretzel bites with beer cheese sauce #shorts #nfl #pretzels

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