Stuffed Pretzel Bites with Spicy Beer Cheese Dip

Soft, golden pretzel bites stuffed with Maytag Pepper Jack are the perfect bite-sized snack. Pair them with savory Beer Cheese Dip and you have a cheesy appetizer made for your next fall tailgate or watch party!

Pretzel Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 Tbsp butter, melted
• 8 oz. Maytag Pepper Jack
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 egg
  

Beer Cheese Dip Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole milk 
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup IPA beer
• 7 oz. Maytag Spicy Beer Cheese Spread
• 6 oz. Maytag Yellow Cheddar, shredded
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Black pepper, to taste

Pretzel Directions:

1. Mix warm water, brown sugar, and yeast in a medium bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour, salt, and 2 Tbsp of melted butter. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover bowl and let rise in a warm location for 30-45 minutes. While the dough is rising, cut Maytag Pepper Jack into small cubes.
4. Divide the pretzel dough into about 30 pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle, place a cube of pepper jack in the middle, and pinch the dough around the cheese. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. 
5. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda and reduce to a simmer.
6. Drop the pretzel bites in the baking soda bath in batches, cooking for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush each bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. 
8. Bake at 425° F for 10-12 minutes, or until deeply golden brown.
9. Brush the pretzel bites with remaining melted butter and serve warm.

Beer Cheese Dip Directions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. 
2. Slowly whisk in milk, then repeat in the beer. Simmer 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. 
3. Reduce the heat to low and mix in Maytag Spicy Beer Cheese Spread. Add shredded Maytag Yellow Cheddar one handful at a time and stir until the cheese is melted.
4. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Remove from stove and serve with stuffed pretzel bites!