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Best Ultimate Oktoberfest Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites Recipe

Oktoberfest beer cheese pretzel bites - featured image
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These warm, salty, chewy pretzel bites are paired with a velvety beer cheese dip, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day or Oktoberfest. They are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ⅓ cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 ounces (60 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) beer (lager, pilsner, or Oktoberfest-style)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining ½ cup flour, kneading for about 5 minutes (or 7 minutes by hand) until smooth and elastic.
  3. Shape the bites: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 12-14 inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces (about 24-30 total).
  4. Baking soda bath: Bring a large pot of water (about 6 cups) to a boil. Carefully add ⅓ cup baking soda (it will fizz). Reduce to a gentle simmer. Working in batches, boil pretzel bites for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush boiled bites with melted butter (or egg wash) and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  6. Make beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beer, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar, whisking until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.

Notes

Don’t over-boil the pretzels (20-30 seconds is ideal). Use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth sauce. Keep the cheese sauce warm; if it thickens, whisk in a splash of warm beer or milk. For make-ahead, shape and boil the bites, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese, Oktoberfest, game day snack, soft pretzels, cheese dip, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/best-ultimate-oktoberfest-beer-cheese-pretzel-bites-recipe/