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Ultimate Honey Mustard Pretzel Bites with Creamy Beer Cheese

honey mustard pretzel bites - featured image

Soft, chewy pretzel bites coated in a sticky honey mustard glaze, served with a rich and creamy beer cheese dip. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon (21g) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) fine sea salt
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) water (for baking soda bath)
  • 1/3 cup (75g) baking soda
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 8 ounces (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard (for cheese sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for cheese sauce)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 teaspoons coarse sea salt (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F) and 1 tablespoon honey. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the top and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 cup flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 5 minutes, or by hand on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces (about 40-50 total).
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Carefully add baking soda (it will bubble up). Boil pretzel bites in batches (10-12 at a time) for 30-45 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. Brush this mixture generously over each pretzel bite. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes.
  8. While still warm, brush pretzel bites with another layer of honey mustard glaze.
  9. Meanwhile, make the beer cheese: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beer, whisking constantly. Add milk and whisk until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  10. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
  11. Transfer pretzel bites to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining glaze. Serve immediately with beer cheese on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

The double-coating technique with honey mustard glaze before and after baking is key for maximum flavor. Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their signature chewy crust. Grate your own cheese for a smooth beer cheese sauce. For best results, use a lager or pale ale in the cheese sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard pretzel bites, beer cheese, soft pretzel bites, game day snack, party appetizer, homemade pretzels