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Football Sunday Smoked Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites - featured image

Football Sunday Smoked Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites

  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Soft, smoky pretzel bites served with a rich, homemade beer cheese sauce. These easy-to-make game day snacks are budget-friendly, pantry-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105°F-110°F)
  • 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ cup (120ml) beer (lager or light amber ale)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
  • ¼ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until it starts to come together.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft but not sticky.
  4. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 1-inch thick rope.
  6. Cut the rope into 1.5-inch pieces and roll each into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
  7. Cover the bites loosely with a towel and let rise again for 15 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If desired, boil bites in water with ¼ cup baking soda for 30 seconds before baking for an authentic crust.
  9. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  11. While bites bake, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to make a roux.
  12. Slowly whisk in beer and milk. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  13. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne until smooth.
  14. Serve warm pretzel bites with the beer cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to prevent a grainy sauce. Use smoked paprika for authentic flavor without a smoker. The dough is forgiving and doesn’t require fancy kneading. Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1-2 bites with sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: game day snacks, beer cheese, pretzel bites, football snacks, easy appetizer, smoked paprika, party food, budget friendly

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Find it online: https://plateku.com/football-sunday-smoked-beer-cheese-pretzel-bites-easy-game-day-snack/