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Perfect Oktoberfest Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites Recipe

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These Perfect Oktoberfest Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy pretzel bites paired with a creamy beer cheese sauce. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for Oktoberfest parties or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup dark lager (room temperature)
  • 10 cups water (for baking soda bath)
  • ⅔ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • ½ cup dark lager (same as dough)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and brown sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, dark lager, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour. Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 1-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add baking soda, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Working in batches, drop pretzel pieces into the bath for 20-25 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to baking sheet.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush each pretzel bite with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed, rotating the pan halfway through.
  8. While bites bake, make the cheese sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking constantly. Add beer and continue whisking until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it creates the chewy crust. Grate your own cheese for smooth sauce. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Keep heat low when melting cheese to avoid breaking the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Oktoberfest, beer cheese, pretzel bites, appetizer, game day, party snack

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/perfect-oktoberfest-beer-cheese-pretzel-bites-recipe/