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Soft pretzel bites with 1 beer cheese recipe

Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese
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Whip up these easy soft pretzel bites, perfect for sharing! Dip them in a warm, creamy beer cheese sauce for a delightful snack that brings people together.

Ingredients

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  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt
  • For the Beer Cheese:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale recommended)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in salt and 4 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down dough. Divide into 16-20 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into pretzel shapes or simply cut into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the pretzels with the egg wash.
  8. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. While pretzels bake, prepare the beer cheese: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  11. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  12. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
  13. Stir in beer until well combined.
  14. Serve warm pretzel bites with beer cheese for dipping.

Notes

  • For softer pretzels, brush with melted butter after baking instead of the egg wash.
  • Adjust the amount of beer for your preferred cheese sauce consistency.
  • Add a pinch of paprika to the cheese sauce for a little color.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/soft-pretzel-bites-beer-cheese/