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Easy Creamy Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip Recipe

easy creamy beer cheese pretzel dip recipe - featured image

This creamy beer cheese dip is made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and stout, served with soft pretzel bites. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (about 280g)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • ¾ cup warm water (about 175ml, 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups shredded)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • ¾ cup beer (about 175ml, stout or brown ale recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm beer and minced garlic for 2 minutes. Do not boil.
  5. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until each addition is melted. Keep heat on medium-low.
  7. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. In a small saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add ⅓ cup baking soda (it will bubble). Reduce to a simmer.
  10. Punch down the risen dough. Divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch long rope, ½ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  11. Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into simmering baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
  12. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until deep golden brown.
  13. Brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter. Let cool 2 minutes.
  14. Transfer warm beer cheese dip to a serving bowl. Arrange pretzel bites around the bowl. Serve immediately.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for smooth melting. Keep heat on medium-low to prevent graininess. The baking soda bath is essential for pretzel texture. Use a beer you enjoy drinking; avoid IPAs.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer cheese dip, pretzel bites, game day appetizer, creamy cheese dip, easy appetizer