Soft Pretzel Bites And Beer Cheese Recipe
Prep Time:
45 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
6 Servings
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 (.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup beer
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • ½ cup shredded gouda
Directions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm milk and brown sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it bloom until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and salt. Mix together using your hands, kneading until the dough is a smooth ball.
  3. Add oil to a large bowl and coat completely, then add the kneaded dough ball.
  4. Cover with a tea towel and keep in a warm location until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 450 F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment.
  6. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and use a pastry cutter to divide into 8 pieces.
  7. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch wide.
  8. Slice each rope into 1-inch pieces.
  9. Add the baking soda to a large pot of water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  10. Working in batches, add the dough pieces to the boiling water and boil for 20 to 30 seconds, then remove and drain on a paper-towel-lined tray.
  11. Add the boiled pieces to the prepared baking sheet.
  12. Whisk the egg and water together and brush each piece with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
  13. Add to the oven and bake until browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
  14. In the meantime, make the beer cheese dip. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  15. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
  16. Add the milk, beer, mustard, spices, and salt and stir. Bring to a simmer and cook until the beer is reduced and the mixture is thick, about 5 minutes.
  17. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheeses, stirring to combine.
  18. Serve the beer cheese dip immediately with the pretzel bites.