Description
These homemade soft pretzel bites are an easy, beginner-proof game day snack that requires zero kneading. Served with a tangy, creamy beer cheese dip, they are warm, salty, and infinitely better than store-bought options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- 1 packet (2.25 tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (60g) baking soda
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup beer (lager, ale, or IPA)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter to the yeast mixture. Add flour one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy ball forms. Do not knead. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- While dough rests, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in baking soda carefully (it will foam). Reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 20-24 equal pieces and roll into rough balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drop pretzel bites into the boiling water, 4-5 at a time. Remove when they float (about 30 seconds) and place back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle immediately with coarse salt.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
- While pretzels bake, make the dip: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine cream cheese and beer, stirring until smooth. Add cheddar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir until melted and smooth. Thin with milk if necessary.
- Serve pretzel bites warm with the beer cheese dip.
Notes
Do not skip the boiling step; it gives pretzels their signature chew and color. Use block cheese and shred it yourself to prevent graininess in the dip. Keep heat low when melting cheese to avoid separation. Salt pretzels immediately after boiling while they are hot and sticky.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3-4 bi
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day snack, easy pretzel recipe, homemade pretzels, football snacks, party appetizers