Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

17 INGREDIENTS • 5 STEPS • 30MINS

Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

These soft, golden pretzel bites are the ultimate snack or party appetizer, served with a rich and creamy beer cheese dip. The dough gets a classic pretzel-style boil in baking soda water, giving it that signature chewy texture and deep brown crust. The cheese sauce, infused with lager or ale, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire, brings a bold, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty, pillowy bites.
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These soft, golden pretzel bites are the ultimate snack or party appetizer, served with a rich and creamy beer cheese dip. The dough gets a classic pretzel-style boil in baking soda water, giving it that signature chewy texture and deep brown crust. The cheese sauce, infused with lager or ale, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire, brings a bold, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty, pillowy bites.


Ingredient Highlights



  • Pizza Dough: A quick and easy shortcut for homemade pretzel bites without extra prep.
  • Baking Soda Bath: The key to getting chewy, golden-brown pretzels with that signature crust.
  • Lager or Ale: Adds depth and a subtle malty richness to the cheese sauce.
  • Cheddar & Gruyère: A mix of sharp and nutty cheeses for a smooth, flavorful dip.
  • Dijon & Worcestershire: Essential for tangy, umami-packed beer cheese.

Pro Tips for the Best Pretzel Bites

  • Use cold pizza dough: It’s easier to roll and shape when slightly chilled.
  • Boil briefly but don’t skip it: A 30-second baking soda bath is what gives the pretzels their distinctive texture and flavor.
  • Whisk the cheese in slowly: Adding cheese gradually prevents clumping and ensures a silky sauce.
  • Reheat beer cheese gently: If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions



Can I use a different type of beer?

Yes! Lighter beers like pilsner or lager keep the sauce mild, while IPAs or stouts add bolder flavors.

Can I make the pretzel bites ahead of time?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.

How can I make the cheese sauce without beer?

Substitute chicken broth or additional milk for a non-alcoholic version.

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30MINS

Total Time

$6.70

Cost Per Serving

Ingredients

Servings
4
us / metric
Pretzel Bites
Fresh Pizza Dough
1 lb
Fresh Pizza Dough
Water
8 cups
Water
Baking Soda
4 Tbsp
Baking Soda
Egg
1
Egg, whisked
Coarse Salt
to taste
Coarse Salt
for sprinkling
Beer Cheese
Butter
1 Tbsp
Butter
All-Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp
All-Purpose Flour
Beer
2/3 cup
Beer
lager or ale
Whole Milk
1 cup
Whole Milk
Dijon Mustard
1 tsp
Dijon Mustard
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp
Worcestershire Sauce
Garlic Powder
1 tsp
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
1 tsp
Onion Powder
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cups
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Gruyère Cheese
1 cup
Shredded Gruyère Cheese
Kosher Salt
to taste
Kosher Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
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Cooking Instructions

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step 1
Prepare the Pretzel Bites: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut Fresh Pizza Dough (1 lb) into 16 pieces and roll into balls.
step 2
Boil the Dough: Bring the Water (8 cups) to a boil in a large pot. Slowly add Baking Soda (4 Tbsp) (it may bubble up). Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water in batches, boiling for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
step 3
Bake the Pretzel Bites: Brush the boiled dough with the whisked Egg (1) and sprinkle with Coarse Salt (to taste). Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
step 4
Make the Beer Cheese: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt Butter (1 Tbsp) and whisk in All-Purpose Flour (1 Tbsp). Cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in Beer (2/3 cup) and Whole Milk (1 cup), stirring until smooth. Add Dijon Mustard (1 tsp), Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp), Garlic Powder (1 tsp), and Onion Powder (1 tsp). Gradually stir in Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) and Gruyère Cheese (1 cup) until melted and smooth. Season with Kosher Salt (to taste) and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste) to taste.
step 5
Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm pretzel bites with beer cheese for dipping!
step 5 Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm pretzel bites with beer cheese for dipping!

RECIPES TAG

Bread
Snack
Shellfish-Free
Vegetarian
Game Day
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