Description
An easy, beginner-friendly appetizer featuring store-bought pretzel dough smoked to perfection and served with a tangy, creamy homemade beer cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) store-bought pretzel dough
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt (pretzel or kosher)
- 8 ounces (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light lager or pilsner beer
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Let pretzel dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in baking soda. Boil pretzel cubes for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place boiled pretzel bites on the grate, sprinkle with coarse salt, and smoke for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden and firm. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, and beer. Whisk constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in garlic powder. Adjust consistency with more beer or cheese if needed.
- Arrange smoked pretzel bites on a platter and serve immediately with the warm beer cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
Do not boil pretzel dough for more than 30 seconds to avoid sogginess. Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Keep the sauce warm in a slow cooker if serving over a long period. For a non-smoker version, bake pretzels at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6-8 pr
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: smoked pretzel bites, beer cheese sauce, game day snacks, beginner smoker recipe, 3 ingredient recipe, pub appetizer, easy appetizer