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Bavarian Soft Pretzel Bites with Easy Beer Cheese Dip

Bavarian Soft Pretzel Bites - featured image
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These soft, chewy pretzel bites are made with a simple baking soda bath instead of lye, making them safe and easy to prepare at home. Paired with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip, they are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 500g)
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 10 cups water (for the baking soda bath)
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for dip)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dip)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup beer (lager or pilsner)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl), combine the warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If kneading by hand, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes.
  3. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the bites: Punch down the dough and turn out onto a clean surface. Divide into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces using a bench scraper or sharp knife. You should get about 30-35 bites per rope.
  5. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble up vigorously). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. The baking soda bath: Working in batches of 8-10 bites, drop the pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda water. Boil for 20-30 seconds. They will puff up slightly. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting excess water drip off. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  7. Egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Rotate pans halfway through for even baking.
  9. Make the beer cheese dip: While the pretzel bites are baking, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the milk and beer, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to tas…
  10. Serve immediately: Transfer warm pretzel bites to a serving platter. Pour the beer cheese dip into a small bowl and place in the center. Serve while bites are warm and dip is hot.

Notes

The baking soda bath is crucial for the chewy, golden crust—do not skip or reduce the time. For the cheese dip, always shred cheese from a block to avoid graininess. The dip can be made a day ahead and gently reheated. Leftover pretzel bites can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, Bavarian pretzels, easy appetizer, game day snack, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/bavarian-soft-pretzel-bites-with-easy-beer-cheese-dip/