Snack Time Twist: Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites

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Indulge in the ultimate snack combination with our Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites. These homemade pretzels, freshly baked and dipped in a rich, boozy cheese sauce, are a surefire way to elevate your snack game to gourmet levels.



Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Bites:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 package active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
  • Vegetable oil, for pan
  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

For the Beer Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup beer (preferably a lager or ale)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture begins to foam.
  2. Add the flour and melted butter. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl, and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Set aside.
  5. Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large saucepan or stockpot.
  6. In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets, brush with the egg wash, and sprinkle with the sea salt.
  8. Bake until golden brown in color, about 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

For the Beer Cheese:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Slowly add the milk and beer, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in the mustard and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the warm pretzel bites with the beer cheese dip.

Crafted with the simple joy of doughy goodness and the complex flavors of beer-infused cheddar, each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a warm, cheesy embrace. The dough is easy to make and even more fun to shape, perfect for getting hands-on in the kitchen. And when paired with the beer cheese dip, it's a match made in snack heaven.

Whether you're hosting a game day, looking for the perfect party appetizer, or just treating yourself, these Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites are sure to please. Warm, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, they're a delightful way to enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade baking and the robust flavors of artisan cheese dip.

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