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Oktoberfest soft pretzel bites with beer cheese - featured image

Oktoberfest Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

  • Author: Rebecca
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12-15 servings 1x

Description

Homemade soft pretzel bites with a signature dark, glossy crust achieved through a baking soda boil, served with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip. Perfect for parties and game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (105°F–115°F)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
  • Coarse kosher salt (for topping)
  • ½ cup lager or pale ale
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add salt and half the flour, mixing until combined. Add remaining flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until doubled.
  4. Punch down dough and divide into 12-15 equal pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch rope and shape into pretzel knots.
  5. Place shaped bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and stir in baking soda. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds per side (1 minute total).
  7. Remove bites with a slotted spoon, drain, and immediately sprinkle with coarse kosher salt.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake pretzels for 12-15 minutes until deep dark brown.
  9. While pretzels bake, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to make a roux.
  10. Slowly whisk in beer until smooth. Reduce heat to low.
  11. Add cream cheese, cheddar, mustard, and garlic powder. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
  12. Serve pretzel bites warm with the beer cheese dip.

Notes

The baking soda bath is crucial for the authentic pretzel crust and flavor. Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting. If the cheese sauce splits, add a splash of warm milk and whisk vigorously. Pretzel bites can be frozen after baking for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite + 2 tbsp chee
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 8

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese, Oktoberfest, party appetizer, homemade pretzels, beer cheese dip, soft pretzels

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Find it online: https://smartdinnerecipes.com/oktoberfest-soft-pretzel-bites-the-one-trick-for-perfect-beer-cheese/