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Ultimate Oktoberfest Pretzel Bites with Easy Beer Cheese Fondue

oktoberfest pretzel bites with beer cheese fondue - featured image
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These soft, chewy pretzel bites are boiled in a baking soda bath for an authentic crust, then served with a creamy beer cheese fondue made with sharp cheddar and Oktoberfest lager. Perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ⅓ cup (80g) baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
  • 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • ¾ cup (180ml) Oktoberfest lager or your favorite beer
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for fondue)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for fondue)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and brown sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups flour. Knead with a dough hook (5 minutes) or by hand (8-10 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the bites: Punch down dough, turn onto a floured surface, divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch rope, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 40-50 bites total).
  5. Baking soda bath: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot, add baking soda (it will bubble). Reduce to a gentle simmer. Working in batches, boil bites for 30 seconds, flipping halfway. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake: Sprinkle bites with coarse salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  7. Make the fondue: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beer while whisking, then add milk. Whisk until thickened (about 3 minutes). Reduce heat to low, add cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. Finish and serve: Brush baked bites with melted butter. Transfer fondue to a serving bowl. Serve warm with pretzel bites for dipping.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it creates the authentic pretzel crust. Grate your own cheese for a smooth fondue. Serve bites within 30 minutes of baking for best texture. For make-ahead, shape bites and refrigerate before boiling; add 1-2 minutes to baking time if cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, beer cheese fondue, Oktoberfest, appetizer, party food, game day snack, soft pretzels, beer cheese

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/ultimate-oktoberfest-pretzel-bites-with-easy-beer-cheese-fondue/