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Oktoberfest Soft Pretzel Bites served with creamy Beer Cheese dip

Oktoberfest Soft Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

Fluffy and chewy pretzel bites served with creamy beer cheese dip, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, German
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pretzel Bites
  • 1 cup Warm water Not hot, just warm like bath water
  • 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Just a little to wake up the yeast
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 4 cups All purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Butter, melted For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Baking soda For the quick bath
  • 1 large Egg For egg wash, helps shine
  • 1 tablespoon Coarse pretzel salt Or flaky salt in a pinch
For the Beer Cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Flour
  • 1 cup Beer Lager is easy and mellow
  • 1 cup Milk Or half and half if you want it richer
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar, freshly grated Melts smoother
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika A pinch
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Optional but helps the flavor pop

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour until it turns into a dough. Knead for a few minutes until smooth. If it is sticky, add a tiny bit more flour, but do not bury it.
  3. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl until puffy, about 1 hour.
  4. Roll the dough into ropes and cut into bite-size pieces.
  5. Boil a big pot of water, then carefully add baking soda. Drop bites in for about 20 to 30 seconds, then lift out and place on a baking sheet.
  6. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake until deeply golden, about 10-15 minutes.
Making the Beer Cheese
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, whisk in flour for a minute.
  2. Slowly whisk in beer and milk. Let it thicken, then add cheddar and seasonings. Keep heat low so it stays smooth.

Notes

Serve the beer cheese on low heat and stir occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk.