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Easy Game Day Ranch Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip

ranch pretzel bites with beer cheese dip - featured image
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Soft, warm pretzel bites with a salty, buttery ranch coating and a creamy beer cheese dip. This quick and easy appetizer comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 packet (about 1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (optional)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup beer (light lager or pale ale)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Fill a large pot with 8 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add 1/3 cup baking soda (the water will bubble up). Stir until dissolved, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 1-inch squares (about 40-50 pieces).
  4. Working in batches of 8-10, drop dough squares into the simmering baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet using a slotted spoon. Space about 1 inch apart.
  5. Sprinkle boiled pretzel bites with coarse sea salt if using. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  6. While pretzel bites bake, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix until well combined. Set aside.
  7. Make the beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in 1 cup beer and 1/2 cup whole milk. Continue whisking until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add 8 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until each addition is fully melted. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Season with sa…
  8. Once pretzel bites are out of the oven and still hot, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the ranch butter mixture over the top and toss gently until every bite is coated.
  9. Transfer coated pretzel bites to a serving platter or bowl. Pour warm beer cheese dip into a small bowl and place in the center. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their signature chewy exterior. Grate your own cheese for the smoothest dip. Serve immediately for best texture. For make-ahead, boil pretzel bites up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, ranch, beer cheese dip, game day, appetizer, easy, quick

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