Cheddar-Stuffed Pretzel Nuggets

Portions:48
Total time 1 hour 25 minutes
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Ingredients

PRETZELS

  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 package regular active or fast-acting dry yeast 2¼ teaspoons
  • cups very warm water 120°F to 130°F
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese 2 oz
  • 4 strips bacon crisply cooked, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño chiles about 2 medium
  • 2 cans 16 oz each American-style lager beer
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tablespoon coarse kosher or sea salt

BEER CHEESE DIP

  • 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes, softened
  • ¾ cup American-style lager beer reserved from 1 can above
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 8 oz

Instructions

  • Line large cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper.
  • In large bowl, mix 3¾ cups of the flour, the sugar, table salt and yeast.
  • Add warm water and butter; beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently and adding additional flour, ¼ cup at a time, until dough is soft and leaves side of bowl.
  • Divide dough into 4 equal portions.
  • On lightly floured surface, roll each portion into 12×4-inch rectangle.
  • On one long side of each rectangle, sprinkle 2 tablespoons Cheddar cheese, 2 teaspoons crumbled bacon and 1½ teaspoons chiles.
  • Starting at one long side, roll up dough; firmly pinch edges to seal.
  • Cut each roll into 12 (1-inch) pieces; pinch cut edges to seal.
  • Place on cookie sheets.
  • Cover with plastic wrap; let stand 30 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 425°F.
  • Reserve ¾ cup of the beer for dip.
  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat remaining beer and the baking soda to boiling; reduce heat to low.
  • Gently place 4 to 5 dough pieces in beer; cook about 20 seconds, turning once.
  • Remove with slotted spoon; return to cookie sheets.
  • Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
  • Brush with egg; sprinkle with coarse salt.
  • Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, cook cream cheese and reserved beer over medium heat 6 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted.
  • Stir in Cheddar cheese, a little at a time; cook about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until all cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Serve warm pretzel nuggets with warm dip.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Make-Ahead Magic

You can make these delicious party snacks well in advance. Place baked cooled pretzel nuggets in a resealable freezer plastic bag; freeze up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place on cookie sheets and bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes or until hot. Make the Beer Cheese Dip while they bake.
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Course Appetizer / Cheese
Cuisine American
Holliday Christmas