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Crispy Bavarian Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites

Bavarian Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites - featured image

Crispy, chewy pretzel bites made with dark lager dough and a rich, tangy beer cheese dip. Perfect for game days, movie nights, or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for dough)
  • 1 cup dark lager or stout beer
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt (for topping)
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, beer, and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes until slightly puffy.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Divide dough into 24 equal pieces and roll into balls. Place on baking sheets.
  7. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda.
  8. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds per side using a slotted spoon.
  9. Return boiled bites to baking sheets. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 190°F).
  11. While pretzels bake, make the dip: In a saucepan over low heat, combine cream cheese, milk, cheddar, mustard, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
  12. Serve pretzel bites warm with the cheese dip.

Notes

Do not skip the boiling step with baking soda as it creates the authentic pretzel crust. Ensure water temperature for yeast is around 110°F to avoid killing the yeast. For gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, bavarian pretzels, game day snack, easy appetizer, homemade pretzels, cheese dip recipe