Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Beer Sauce

Category

Appetizers

Servings

16 pretzel bites

Ingredients

    For the dough:

  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • ½ tablespoon honey or barley malt syrup
  • 1 tablespoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
  • 3 cups (about 15 ounces) all-purpose or bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • For cooking the pretzels:

  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon of water
  • 4 – 6 cups water
  • ½ tablespoon pretzel or kosher salt
  • For the beer cheese sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup light beer, such as a Pilsner or Amber
  • ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½ teaspoons yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

    To make the dough:

    1. STIR together the warm water, honey and yeast in a large bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast has dissolved and is foamy on top of the water. (If this doesn’t happen within 5 minutes, your yeast is probably dead and you should start with a new package.)
    2. STIR the flour and salt into the yeast mixture until a shaggy dough forms then work in the softened butter. Knead the dough, either in the bowl or on the countertop, until a smooth ball forms- about 5 minutes.
    3. GREASE the bowl lightly before placing the dough in, turning to coat it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or cling film and place it in a warm, draft-free spot (the inside of the oven with the light on or the top of the fridge are both great options). Allow to proof for about 20 minutes.

    To make and cook the pretzels:

    1. PREHEAT the oven to 425°F and line two sheet trays with parchment paper.
    2. BRING 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a wide, deep-sided pan or pot.
    3. TURN the dough out onto the countertop, letting gravity do its job. Use a bench scraper or knife to divide the dough into 16 even pieces. Form your hand into a claw and shape each dough piece into rounds, using the palm of your hand and the countertop to create a tight ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with, sprinkle a bit of flour on the countertop. Flatten each ball into a disc, place a cube of cheese in the middle then pull all the edges up to create a purse. Pinch the dough to seal, rolling it on the countertop again if needed to smooth out the seam.
    4. STIR the baking soda into the boiling water, being careful as it will bubble up. Lower to a simmer and place 3 or 4 pretzel bites in the water. Cook for 1 minute on each side before using a slotted spoon or spider to place on the trays, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each one. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle the tops with kosher salt.
    5. BAKE for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bites are a deep, golden brown. Serve warm with the cheese sauce.

    To make the beer cheese sauce:

    1. MELT the butter over medium-high heat in a deep-sided sauce pot. Once the butter is melted sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until it just begins to smell a little nutty and turn slightly brown.
    2. LOWER the heat to medium and slowly pour in the milk, whisking nonstop to avoid clumps. When you are sure there are no clumps pour in the beer along with the Worcestershire, mustard, cayenne (if using) and garlic powder.
    3. REMOVE the pot from the heat before adding the cheese; stir to combine.
    4. SEASON with salt and pepper, taste and adjust as needed.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition

    Serving Size
    1/16 of recipe
    per serving
    Calories
    240
    Amount/Serving % Daily Value
    Fat
    12 grams
    18%
    Saturated Fat
    7 grams
    35%
    Cholesterol
    50 milligrams
    17%
    Sodium
    1740 milligrams
    73%
    Carbs
    22 grams
    7%
    Fiber
    1 grams
    4%
    Sugar
    1 grams
    Protein
    11 grams
    Calcium
    219 milligrams
    20%
    Image of Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Beer Sauce

    Recipe Tips

    The pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.


    The cheese sauce can be saved in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but it probably won’t last that long! Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water as needed to thin it out.

    Cheese As You Please

    Our naturally-aged cheddars have 0g of lactose per serving! So go ahead, dig in.

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