Bavarian Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese 🥨🍺🧀 Chewy, Golden, and Perfectly Paired With Creamy Cheese Dip

These Bavarian-style pretzels are chewy on the inside, golden-brown on the outside, and sprinkled with coarse salt.

Paired with a rich, tangy beer cheese dip, they’re the ultimate Oktoberfest-inspired appetizer or snack.

Ingredients (Makes 8 pretzels)

For the pretzels

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For boiling

• 10 cups water
• ⅔ cup baking soda

For topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt

For the beer cheese

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup beer (lager or amber works best)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step 1: Make the pretzel dough

In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the pretzels

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, and roll each into a 20-inch rope. Twist into a pretzel shape.

Step 3: Boil in baking soda bath

In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the bath for 30 seconds, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the pretzels

Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake 12–14 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 5: Make the beer cheese

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk and beer. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in cheddar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm pretzels with the beer cheese for dipping.

Flavor Variations

• Use smoked cheddar or Gruyère for a richer dip
• Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a spicy kick
• Top pretzels with everything bagel seasoning instead of salt
• Swap beer for apple cider for a sweeter twist

Pro Tips

• The baking soda bath is key for chewy texture and deep golden color
• Don’t skip the egg wash — it adds shine and helps the salt stick
• Keep beer cheese warm in a mini crockpot during parties
• Freeze baked pretzels and reheat for quick snacks anytime

Final Thoughts

Bavarian Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese are chewy, golden, and perfect for dipping — the ultimate appetizer for game day, Oktoberfest, or anytime you crave cozy comfort food.

Twist it. Bake it. Dip into cheesy bliss. 🥨🍺🧀

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