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Creamy Beer Cheese Dip Recipe with Soft Pretzel Bites

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A creamy, tangy beer cheese dip paired with warm, chewy soft pretzel bites, perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup light lager beer
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Make the Pretzel Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use stand mixer with dough hook for 5-6 minutes).
  3. Let Dough Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Heat oven to 425°F. Bring 8 cups water to a boil and add baking soda.
  5. Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down dough and roll into 1-inch diameter rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  6. Boil Pretzel Bites: Drop pretzel bites into boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Brush and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly.
  9. Prepare the Beer Cheese Dip: Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
  10. Add Beer: Slowly pour in beer, whisking continuously.
  11. Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  12. Keep Warm: Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally to keep dip creamy while pretzels finish baking.
  13. Serve: Transfer dip to warm serving bowl. Arrange pretzel bites around and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before melting to avoid lumps. Shred cheddar fresh for smooth melting. Boil pretzel bites in baking soda water for chewy crust and golden color. If dip thickens too much, stir in a splash of beer or milk. Avoid high heat to prevent sauce separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer cheese dip, soft pretzel bites, party snack, creamy dip, appetizer, easy recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-beer-cheese-dip-recipe-with-soft-pretzel-bites-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/