Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsErnie's Midtown PubPretzel Bites Recipe

Pretzel Bites Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves6

Basket of pretzel bites served with Fat Tire beer cheese sauce or stone ground mustard.

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Bites

Method

Pretzel Bites

  1. 1

    Prepare the Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Mix Ingredients

    Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. 4

    Let the Dough Rise

    Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  5. 5

    Shape the Bites

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and cut into bite-sized pieces.

  6. 6

    Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

    In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and stir in the baking soda. Carefully add the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds each, then remove and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  7. 7

    Bake the Pretzel Bites

    Brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Fat Tire Beer Cheese Sauce

  1. 8

    Make the Roux

    In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

  2. 9

    Add Beer

    Slowly whisk in the Fat Tire beer, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.

  3. 10

    Incorporate Cheeses

    Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

  4. 11

    Season the Sauce

    Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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