These Soft Pretzel Bites And Beer Cheese Are A Party-Worthy Snack - Tasting Table

"Wisconsin, known as the cheese capital of America, has long claimed to be the American home of beer cheese soup, a creamy mixture of beer and cheddar that was brought to America by German immigrants. Interestingly, beer cheese dip is claimed by an entirely different state farther south - Kentucky, where pimiento cheese is just as popular and used in similar applications. No matter the origins, it's undeniable that beer and cheese are a perfect pairing, elevating both our appetizers and our entrees"

"This beer cheese dip recipe, written with developer Michelle McGlinn, is paired with soft, chewy pretzel bites for dipping and dunking in the warm, gooey cheese. Pretzel bites may seem complicated, but they are easier than they look - achieving that perfectly brown color only requires a few extra minutes and a spoonful of baking soda. Even easier is the beer cheese, which comes together quickly while the pretzel bites are in the oven."

"Everyone has a different opinion on which beer is the best to use for beer cheese dip - some cooks swear by the cheapest, mildest ales and lagers, while others insist that this is the worst brew you can use. While lagers may be less flavorful, they are a great mild option for a beer cheese dip. Lagers in this category include Pabst Blue Ribbon, Yuengling, Budweiser, Miller, and Hamm's"

Wisconsin and Kentucky each claim roots for beer cheese and beer cheese dip, reflecting German-immigrant influence and regional pimiento-cheese traditions. The recipe pairs warm, gooey beer cheese — including smoky Gouda — with soft, chewy pretzel bites for dipping. Pretzel bites brown deeply after a brief baking soda boil and a few extra minutes in the oven. The beer cheese comes together quickly while pretzels bake, making a filling, crowd-pleasing snack. Beer choice affects flavor: mild lagers (Pabst, Yuengling, Budweiser, Miller, Hamm's) provide subtlety, while German pilsners, weissbier, kolsch, or malt-forward darker beers add greater depth.

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