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Quick Soft Pretzel Bites with Easy Beer Cheese Dip

quick soft pretzel bites - featured image

These quick soft pretzel bites are chewy, salty, and golden, paired with a creamy beer cheese dip. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknights, game days, or any snack attack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup baking soda (for water bath)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120ml) beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let sit for 1 minute until bubbly. Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add remaining ½ cup flour gradually until dough comes together. Knead in bowl for 3 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Fill a large pot with 8 cups water and add ½ cup baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil (water will foam, so don’t fill pot more than halfway).
  3. Shape the bites: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 1-inch squares (about 40-50 bites).
  4. Boil the bites: Drop bites into boiling baking soda water in batches (10-12 at a time). Boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to prepared baking sheet using a slotted spoon. Space about ½ inch apart.
  5. Egg wash and salt: Brush each bite with egg wash. Sprinkle immediately with coarse sea salt.
  6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed. Rotate sheet halfway through.
  7. Make the beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together softened cream cheese and beer until smooth. Add shredded cheddar a handful at a time, whisking constantly until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on lowest heat.
  8. Serve immediately: Transfer pretzel bites to a platter. Serve warm with beer cheese dip.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for chewy texture and brown color. Use instant yeast for speed. Don’t skip the egg wash for a golden finish. Keep the dip warm on low heat. For best texture, serve within 15 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, quick appetizer, game day snack, soft pretzels, easy recipe