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smoked beer cheese pretzel bites - featured image

Smoked Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites

  • Author: Grace
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy 25-minute dinner or game day snack using store-bought yeast dough, smoked or baked pretzel bites, and a homemade smoky beer cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) refrigerated yeast dough
  • 4 cups (1 liter) water
  • 1/2 cup (60g) baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with a splash of water
  • 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mild lager or light ale
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, if not using a smoker)

Instructions

  1. Preheat smoker to 225°F or oven to 400°F.
  2. Cut the yeast dough into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda.
  4. Boil pretzel cubes in batches for 30 seconds until they float.
  5. Remove pretzels with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. If smoking, place pretzels on the smoker rack for 15 minutes. If baking, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  7. While pretzels cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  8. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
  9. Slowly whisk in beer until smooth.
  10. Add garlic powder, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  11. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  12. Stir in liquid smoke if using.
  13. Serve pretzel bites hot with the beer cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

Do not over-boil the pretzels (30 seconds is enough) to maintain chewiness. Shred your own cheese to prevent graininess in the sauce. If the sauce separates, whisk in a splash of milk or cream. The cheese sauce does not freeze well.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 6 bites + 2
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese, game day food, smoker recipes, quick dinner, yeast dough, comfort food, party snacks

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Find it online: https://mealiko.com/smoked-beer-cheese-pretzel-bites-5pm-dinner/