Description

Warm, gooey, and golden-brown pretzel bites served with a rich, tangy beer cheese dip. This easy-to-make appetizer is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days and parties.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pretzel dough (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
Coarse kosher salt (for sprinkling)
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
1 cup beer (lager, pilsner, or amber ale)
2 tablespoons butter (for roux)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough by letting it come to room temperature if store-bought, then divide into bite-sized pieces (1-1.5 inches).
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
Slowly pour in the beer while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until smooth and thickened (3-4 minutes).
Reduce heat to low. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
Add grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring gently until melted. Do not boil. Set aside to keep warm.
Roll dough into ropes and cut into pieces. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the bites with the egg wash and immediately sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, and serve immediately with the warm beer cheese dip.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to ensure a smooth sauce. Use a beer you enjoy drinking. Keep the sauce warm in a slow cooker for parties. For vegan versions, use plant-based cheese and dough. For gluten-free, use GF dough.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 bites + 2 tbsp dip
Calories: 380
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 1
Protein: 12

Keywords: beer cheese, pretzel bites, game day snack, appetizer, party food, beer cheese dip, easy recipes