This stellar combination of soft pretzels and cheese sauce is elevated to absolute perfection when accompanied by a refreshing serving of golden suds, transforming it from simply delicious to absolutely amazing.

Preparing the Pretzel Bites

Prepare the pretzel dough by combining warm water, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit until it starts to foam, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 0.25-oz packet of active dry yeast

Add the flour and melted butter, then attach the dough hook. Mix on low speed until well-combined. Increase the speed to medium and mix until the dough is smooth, pulling away from the sides of the bowl, for about 5 minutes more.

Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted

Remove the dough, grease the bowl well with nonstick spray, and return the dough. Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.

Ingredients:

• As needed nonstick cooking spray (for greasing)

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add baking soda and stir to dissolve. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 350°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into a 1-inch-wide rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch-long pieces.

Drop about 15 pretzel bites at a time into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the pretzel bites with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• To taste coarse salt

Place the baking sheet on the grill grates, close the lid, and bake until the pretzel bites are golden brown and cooked through, taking approximately 20-25 minutes.

Preparing the Beer Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup lager-style beer
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine cream cheese, shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, lager-style beer, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and transfer the mixture to a small cast iron pan.

Position the cast iron pan on the smoker grates. Close the lid and smoke for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, and the top achieves a golden brown perfection.

Serve the pretzel bites hot with the beer cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy!