Description
Chewy, warm soft pretzel bites boiled in baking soda and baked to golden perfection, served with a creamy, tangy homemade beer cheese sauce. A crowd-pleasing game day snack that is easier than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (350ml) warm water
- 2 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar (brown sugar recommended)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
- 6 cups water (for boiling)
- ⅓ cup (40g) baking soda
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- 1 cup (240ml) lager or pilsner beer
- 2 cups (200g) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Coarse salt or pretzel salt (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Make the beer cheese sauce: While dough rises, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in beer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and gradually add grated cheeses, stirring until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne. Keep warm.
- Shape the pretzels: Punch down risen dough. Roll into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 1-inch strips, then cut strips into 1-inch pieces. Roll into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Boil the pretzels: Bring 6 cups water and baking soda to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush boiled pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve immediately with the warm beer cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese to prevent a grainy sauce. Do not skip the boiling step with baking soda, as it creates the authentic pretzel flavor and chew. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or beer. If too thin, cook longer. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that ruin the texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6-8 pr
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day food, super bowl snacks, easy appetizer, homemade pretzels, party food