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Soft Pretzel Knots with Beer Cheese

Soft pretzel knots with beer cheese are the perfect game day snack!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 pretzel knots

Ingredients

Soft Pretzel knots:

  • 1 cup 275 g amber lager
  • 1/3 cup 120 g whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon 25 g granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons 7 g active dry yeast
  • 6 oz 85 g unsalted butter, melted, divided
  • 1 egg room temperature
  • 4 cups 570 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • egg wash - 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
  • pretzel salt or coarse kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup baked baking soda* see notes above
  • 6 cups water

Beer Cheese:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 6 oz cream cheese at room temperature
  • 8 oz 1 cup amber lager, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 oz smoked gouda or white cheddar grated on a box grater
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Ground pepper to taste
  • Minced chives for topping

Instructions

To make the pretzels:

  • Line a baking sheet with foil and preheat an oven to 250 degrees F. Spread 1 box of baking soda in an even layer on the tray. Bake for 1 hour and then allow to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark location.
  • Mix together the beer and milk in a measuring cup and microwave for about 45 seconds, until just barely warm. Combine the beer/milk with the yeast and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Once the mixture is foamy (after about 5-7 minutes), and the flour, 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, egg, and salt and mix on medium speed for about 10-15 minutes, until the dough is smooth.
  • Lightly oil the mixing bowl, toss the dough to coat lightly in oil, and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm-ish location and allow the dough to rise for 2 hours, until at least doubled in size.
  • Transfer the dough to a clean work surface (do not flour). Using a scale, divide the dough into 8 equal portions (I did 120 g pieces). Like a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Working quickly, roll each piece of dough into a rope about 12" long. Tie into a knot and tuck the ends in (see video above), and place each knot under the plastic wrap on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Allow dough to rest for 20 minutes. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F in the meantime.
  • Combine 6-8 cups of water with the baked baking soda in a dutch oven or pot, and stir to dissolve. Heat the water until steaming, but not boiling. Turn off the heat.
  • Gently transfer 2-3 of the knots to the steaming water for about 30 seconds, stirring gently to make sure the dough is well coated. Using a slotted spoon or spider, lift the knots from the water, allow a bit of the water to drain off and transfer to the silicone lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Brush knots with egg wash and top with pretzel salt or coarse kosher salt. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until golden brown, rotating the baking tray halfway through. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Allow to cool slightly, serve warm.

To make the beer cheese:

  • In a medium saute pan or skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook until the shallot is softened. Add the beer and cream cheese, and using a whisk, whisk until the mixture is smooth (it will look a little broken, don't sweat, keep whisking). Once all the cream cheese is whisked in and smooth, add the dijon, Worcestershire, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and add the cheese, stirring until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper and top with minced chives. Serve warm.