This just in: one of the best bar snacks can now be enjoyed at home! These Brew Pub Pretzel Bites are delicious dipped in ground mustard or by themselves. Served alongside a rich homemade cheese sauce, they’re irresistible. These Brew Pub Pretzel Bites are savory, soft, and pillowy—eating them is a delightful experience. Turn on the game on the TV and get to munching on these yummy treats!
Ingredients
For the soft pretzels:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose flour
- vegetable oil, to taste, for coating
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 whole egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- coarse sea salt, to taste
For the optional cheese sauce:
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1 –Combine the water, sugar, yeast, and the 6 tablespoons of the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attached.
Step 2 –Allow the yeast mixture to rest for 5 minutes until the yeast begins to bubble.
Step 3 –Add the salt and 4 1/2 cups of the flour.
Step 4 –Mix on low until fully incorporated.
Step 5 –Increase the speed and allow the dough to continue kneading until smooth. It should easily pull away from the side of the bowl. If it still seems too wet, add more of the flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 6 –Once the dough consistency is right, remove the dough from the bowl and knead it into a ball with your hands.
Step 7 –Add some vegetable oil to a clean bowl and place the dough in the bowl, tossing it to coat with the oil.
Step 8 –Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to sit until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Step 9 –Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Step 10 –Grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
Step 11 –Bring the 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.
Step 12 –Slowly add the baking soda. It will boil over, so be very careful when adding.
Step 13 –On a flat surface, divide the dough into 8 pieces of the same size.
Step 14 –Roll each piece out into a long rope.
Step 15 –Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces.
Step 16 –Working in batches, add the dough bites to the water solution.
Step 17 –Boil each dough bite for about 30 seconds before removing it with a slotted spoon.
Step 18 –Place the bites onto the prepared cookie sheet. Do not allow them to touch.
Step 19 –Brush the tops with the beaten egg and season generously with the sea salt.
Step 20 –Bake in the oven until brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 21 –Transfer the pretzels to a cooling rack before serving.
Step 22 –Melt the 1/2 tablespoon of the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 23 –Add the 1/2 tablespoon of the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly.
Step 24 –Slowly stir in the milk.
Step 25 –Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheese.
Step 26 –Stir until melted and smooth.
Step 27 –Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper.
Step 28 –Serve immediately.
