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Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

Soft Pretzels with a rich and creamy Beer Cheese Dip is the ultimate savory snack perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Homemade pretzels are boiled in a baking soda bath to achieve their signature chewy crust and golden color, then baked to perfection. Paired with a smooth, flavorful beer cheese dip made from sharp cheddar, Dubliner cheese, and a touch of spices, this recipe combines classic flavors for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

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Soft Pretzels

  • 1 cup warm water (110℉)
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups water (for boiling)
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • Coarse salt, for topping

Beer Cheese Dip

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder or Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika
  • 1 cup beer
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup Dubliner cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: cayenne or smoked paprika, chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Stir together the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it stand for five minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating that it’s active.
  2. Make Dough: Add melted butter, kosher salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, combine the ingredients, then increase to medium-high and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides but remains slightly tacky.
  3. Proof Dough: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about one hour until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat and Prepare Boiling Water: Before shaping the pretzels, bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over the stove. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  5. Shape Pretzels: Punch down the dough and turn it onto a counter. Cut it into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16-inch long rope, then twist one end down to meet the other. Cut the rope at the rounded section in half, pinch one end and twist the two strands tightly around each other, pinching the other end to seal. Place twisted pretzels on a greased parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake Soda Bath: Once the water is at a low boil, add the baking soda. Boil two pretzels at a time for about one minute each. Remove them using a slotted spoon and return them to the baking sheet.
  7. Salt and Bake Pretzels: Sprinkle coarse sea salt on each pretzel. Bake on the center rack for 13 to 17 minutes or until pretzels are beautiful golden brown on top.
  8. Prepare Beer Cheese Dip: While pretzels bake, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, garlic powder, mustard powder (or Dijon mustard), Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds to form a roux.
  9. Add Liquids to Dip: Gradually whisk in the beer and allow the mixture to thicken slightly. Then slowly whisk in the whole milk, stirring occasionally until hot.
  10. Melt Cheese and Season: Stir in shredded Dubliner and yellow cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cayenne or smoked paprika and chopped parsley.
  11. Serve: Serve the hot soft pretzels alongside the warm beer cheese dip for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the water for yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Boiling pretzels in baking soda water creates their characteristic chewy crust.
  • Use a strong-flavored beer for more depth in the cheese dip, like a lager or ale.
  • You can make dough ahead and refrigerate overnight, then shape and bake the next day.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle pretzels with additional spices like garlic salt or everything bagel seasoning.

Keywords: soft pretzels, beer cheese dip, homemade pretzels, savory snack, party food, baking soda bath, cheese dip

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/soft-pretzels-with-beer-cheese-dip-recipe/