Description
Soft, salty pretzel bites made from frozen dinner rolls and air-fried to golden perfection, served with a creamy, tangy beer cheese dip. This quick and easy game day snack is ready in under 25 minutes and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Pretzel Bites:
- Frozen dinner rolls, thawed (16 ounces)
- Baking soda (1/4 cup)
- Warm water (2 cups)
- Large egg (1)
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
- For the Beer Cheese:
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (8 ounces)
- Beer (1/2 cup)
- Cream cheese, softened (2 ounces)
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
- Worcestershire sauce (1/2 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of warm water. Stir until the baking soda is mostly dissolved. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Take each thawed dinner roll and cut it into quarters. Roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms.
- The Bath: Working in batches, drop 8-10 dough balls into the baking soda water. Let them sit for exactly 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain for a minute.
- Egg Wash and Salt: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Place the drained pretzel bites on a parchment-lined surface. Brush the tops with the egg wash and immediately sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until deep golden brown and puffed up.
- Make the Beer Cheese: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the beer and softened cream cheese. Whisk constantly until melted and smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until each addition is fully melted.
- Finish the Dip: Whisk in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Keep warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot pretzel bites to a serving platter. Pour the warm beer cheese into a small bowl for dipping. Serve right away.
Notes
Do not overwork the dough; handle gently. Use warm (not hot) water for the baking soda bath. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Shred your own cheese for a smooth sauce. Keep the heat low when making the cheese sauce to prevent graininess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pretzel bites with
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
Keywords: air fryer pretzel bites, beer cheese, game day snack, football appetizer, easy pretzel recipe