Who doesn't love a fresh pretzel and these are perfect because they are bite size and can be easily dipped into a delicious beer cheese. Homemade bread dough is boiled in a soda bath that gives the pretzel its color and chew. The pretzels are then baked and are over the top good dipped in a cheese dip with a hint of beer flavor.
Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 Tbsp light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water
6 Tbsp melted butter
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1/3 cup baking soda
8 cups water
1 egg
2 Tbsp water
coarse salt for topping
Instructions
Make the dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar together in a mixing bowl and allow to sit for 5 minutes or until foamy. Add melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until dough forms and pulls away form the sides of the bowl. Remove from bowl and knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. Place bowl in a oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
Shape the dough: Punch the dough down and then divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about a foot in length. Cut into bite size pieces along the dough rope and place the pieces on a greased baking sheet.
Baking Soda Bath: Mix water and baking soda together in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Place 8 to 10 pretzel bites into the boiling water for a quick 10 to 15 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, lift the pretzel bites out of the water and allow a much of the excess water to drip off. Place bites onto a prepared baking sheet. Egg Wash: Whisk egg and water together and brush over each pretzel bite. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
Beer Cheese Dip Ingredients 4 Tbsp unsalted butter 4 Tbsp flour 1 cup milk 1/4 tsp onion powder 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp salt 2/3 cup light beer 2 tsp worchestershire sauce 1 tsp dijon mustard 6 oz. shredded white sharp cheddar cheese 6 oz. shredded gouda cheese Instructions In a medium sauce pot melt butter and then stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute. Add milk, beer, and seasonings. Stir continuously. Add worchestershire sauce, mustard, and then the cheeses a little at a time.
Note: this dip can be cut in half as it makes a good amount. Also if you want dip to be thinner add more milk or beer. If you want it to be thicker don't add as much milk or beer. It will thicken as it cools.
For a video tutorial visit my YouTube channel.