Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Sauce

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and warm water, until well-combined. Using your hands or machine, knead the dough until it is soft and smooth (about 5 minutes)
2. Flour the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes in a covered bowl
3. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the pretzel soak by boiling 1 cup of water
4. Stir in the baking soda and stir until the baking soda dissolves, set aside and allow to cool to lukewarm temperature
5. Once the pretzel dough has rested, transfer the dough to a surface prepared with a small amount of oil or cooking spray.
6. Separate the dough into half a dozen chunks
7. Roll each section into strands that are about 12” long, cutting each strand about 10-12 times (creating the “bites”)
8. Place the bites into the baking soda water and swish them around to coat them. Let them soak for about 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a prepared baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or greased)
9. Top the pretzel bites with coarse sea salt and bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown

For the Beer Cheese

1. Heat a medium-sized saucepan on low heat add the butter and whisk until melted.
2. Add the flour and whisk to combine, cooking for about 1 minute
3. Slowly pour in the Lager, whisking constantly
4. Next add heavy whipping cream, again, whisking constantly
5. Continue to whisk over medium until the mixture becomes thick
6. Add garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, mixing until combined
7. Finally, add the shredded cheeses, stir completely, until the cheeses have melted, and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
8. Serve the pretzels with the beer cheese sauce
9. Enjoy!