Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Recipe
Soft pretzel bites with beer cheese are a savory, crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties or cozy evenings. The chewy pretzels and creamy beer cheese dip create an unbeatable flavor combination.
A Deliciously Savory Snack Perfect for Any Occasion
Soft pretzel bites paired with creamy beer cheese are the ultimate comfort food combination. Whether you're hosting a game-day party, planning a movie night, or simply craving a quick snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. These bite-sized, golden-brown pretzels have a delightfully chewy texture, perfectly complemented by the rich, velvety beer cheese sauce. The recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed: The combination of salty pretzel bites and tangy, cheesy dip is irresistible.
Perfect for Entertaining: These soft pretzel bites are the ideal party snack or appetizer.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasoning or beer choice to suit your preferences.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you'll have this dish ready in no time.
Tips and Tricks
Use Fresh Dough: For the best results, use fresh bakery pizza dough.
Beer Choice: Opt for a mild lager or a flavorful local brew to enhance the cheese sauce's taste.
Double Batch: These pretzel bites disappear fast—consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.
Storage: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make the pretzel dough from scratch?
Yes! You can use any soft pretzel dough recipe if you prefer making it from scratch.Can I skip the beer in the cheese sauce?
Absolutely. Substitute the beer with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.What’s the best cheese for beer cheese?
Sharp Cheddar works best for its bold flavor, but you can mix in Gouda or Monterey Jack for a twist.
A Brief History
Pretzels are believed to have originated in Europe, with monks crafting these knot-shaped treats as early as the 6th century. Over time, pretzels evolved into the popular snack we know today, with soft pretzels becoming a staple in American cuisine. Pairing them with beer cheese—a creamy, flavorful dip that originated in beer-loving regions like Germany—has turned this combination into a favorite comfort food.
Soft pretzel bites with beer cheese are more than just a snack—they're a flavorful tradition that brings people together. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and savor the delightful combination of salty, chewy pretzels and creamy, tangy cheese dip. Enjoy!
Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
For the Soft Pretzel Bites:
1 pound bakery pizza dough
All-purpose flour, for dusting
½ cup baking soda
2 tablespoons sugar
1 large egg yolk
Pretzel salt or coarse kosher salt, for sprinkling
For the Beer Cheese:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 ounces lager beer (e.g., your favorite local brew)
½ cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of Miss Brown’s House Seasoning (see below)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
House Seasoning:
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Make the Soft Pretzel Bites:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top.
Boil the Pretzels: Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large stockpot. Stir in the baking soda and sugar (it will foam up).
Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough. Divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
Boil the Dough Pieces: Working in batches, drop the dough pieces into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and drain them on paper towels.
Egg Wash and Salt: Whisk the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush this mixture on the tops of the dough pieces and sprinkle with salt. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 9–10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Beer Cheese:
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook until bubbly, about 2 minutes.
Whisk in the Beer: Gradually whisk in the beer until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the half-and-half and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add Flavor: Whisk in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and The House Seasoning. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Make The House Seasoning:
Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container for future use.