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Kid-Approved Soft Pretzel Bites with Best Beer Cheese Dip

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Soft, warm, buttery pretzel bites with a chewy crust and pillowy interior, served with a rich and creamy beer cheese dip. This kid-friendly recipe uses a baking soda bath instead of lye for a safe and easy method that delivers authentic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups water (for baking soda bath)
  • ⅔ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for dip)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dip)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup beer (light lager or ale)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and 3 ½ cups flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add remaining flour if too sticky.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and springy.
  4. Place dough back in bowl, cover with a towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. In a large pot, bring 10 cups water to a boil. Add baking soda carefully, stir until dissolved, then reduce to a simmer.
  7. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 1-inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  8. Working in batches, boil pretzel bites for 20-30 seconds, flipping halfway. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
  9. Brush each bite with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Rotate sheet halfway through.
  11. Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter.
  12. For the dip: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  13. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly. Add beer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  14. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  15. Keep dip warm over low heat until serving.

Notes

Don’t overboil the pretzel bites (20-30 seconds max). Use room temperature ingredients for the dough. Shred your own cheese for the dip to avoid graininess. Keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker or over a candle warmer. Work in batches when boiling to maintain water temperature.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/kid-approved-soft-pretzel-bites-with-best-beer-cheese-dip/