Description
Cheap, kid-approved soft pretzel bites made with simple pantry staples, served with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip. A budget-friendly family meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105-110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup baking soda (for boiling water)
- Coarse salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup lager or pilsner beer
- 2 tablespoons butter (for dip)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dip)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, stirring until thick, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, make the dip: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually whisk in beer and milk. Simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Punch down dough and divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in baking soda. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds per side until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Place boiled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with the beer cheese dip.
Notes
Do not skip the baking soda bath; it gives pretzels their distinct flavor and color. Use cheap lager for the dip as the alcohol cooks off. Grate your own cheese to avoid grainy sauce. You can freeze raw bites after boiling for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 8 bite
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: soft pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, Oktoberfest recipe, budget family meal, easy appetizer, kid-friendly snacks, homemade pretzels