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Easy Mini Football Helmet Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese

mini football helmet pretzel bites - featured image
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These adorable mini pretzel bites shaped like football helmets are paired with a creamy beer cheese dip, making them the perfect game day appetizer. They’re surprisingly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 10 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup light lager (pilsner or pale ale)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups flour to the yeast mixture. Stir, then gradually add remaining 2 cups flour. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down dough, roll to ½-inch thickness, and cut with a football helmet cookie cutter. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut again. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Prepare the baking soda bath: Preheat oven to 425°F. Bring 10 cups water to a boil, add ½ cup baking soda (it will bubble). Reduce to a simmer. Working in batches of 5-6, drop pretzel bites into water for 20-30 seconds. Transfer back to baking sheet with a slotted spoon.
  6. Egg wash and bake: Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  7. Make the beer cheese dip: While pretzels bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk and beer, whisking constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for the pretzel texture and crust. Do not skip it. Use freshly shredded cheese for the dip to avoid graininess. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Pretzel bites can be frozen before or after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: football helmet pretzel bites, beer cheese dip, game day appetizer, mini pretzels, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/easy-mini-football-helmet-pretzel-bites-with-beer-cheese/