Description

Homemade soft pretzel bites served with a rich, creamy, and tangy beer cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for game days, rainy Sundays, or any time you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
1 cup (240ml) Warm Water (110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
2 tablespoons Butter, melted
2.5 to 3 cups (300-360g) All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (240ml) Lager Beer
2 tablespoons Butter (for roux)
2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
2 cups (200g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Coarse Kosher Salt (for topping)
Melted Butter (for brushing)
¼ cup Baking Soda (for boiling water)

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
Make the beer cheese sauce: While dough rises, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to make a roux; cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add grated cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in garlic powder, mustard, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Keep warm on low.
Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down risen dough. Cut into 16 equal pieces and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 15 minutes.
Boil the pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add ¼ cup baking soda. Drop pretzel bites into water, a few at a time. Boil for 30 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush boiled pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse kosher salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes and serve with warm beer cheese sauce.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese to prevent a grainy sauce. Do not skip the baking soda bath, as it creates the authentic pretzel flavor and color. If the cheese sauce thickens too much while serving, whisk in a splash of milk. Leftover pretzel bites can be toasted in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp up.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite with
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 800
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 2
Protein: 18

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese sauce, easy snack, game day food, comfort food, homemade pretzels, family snack