Pretzel Bites and Beer Cheese

Embark on a flavor-packed journey with our irresistible gluten-free pretzel bites! Drawing inspiration from the legendary Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels, these bites are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. And the beer cheese? Well, that's a nod to the rich and robust flavors of Green's Gluten-Free Amber Ale, our newfound beer obsession. Get ready to savor the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation in every delicious bite!

A video demonstration of this recipe is on Celiac Kitchen’s YouTube channel.

Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup + 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour (we used King Arthur Measure for Measure GF Flour)

• ½ cup expandex modified tapioca starch

• ¼ cup nonfat dry milk powder

• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ⅔ cup warm water (100 – 110°F)

• 2 teaspoons fast-acting yeast

• 1⅓ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• White from 1 large egg or 2 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites

• Cornstarch (for preventing dough from sticking)

• 10 cups water (or enough to fill pot 3” deep)

• 10 tablespoons baking soda

• Extra coarse salt (optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together:

   • Gluten-free flour

   • Expandex modified tapioca starch

   • Nonfat dry milk powder

   • Cornstarch

   • Brown sugar

   • Salt

   • Baking powder

2. Activate yeast:

   • Add 1 tablespoon of dry ingredients to warm water as food for yeast; stir well.

   • Add 2 teaspoons fast-acting yeast to warm water/starch slurry.

   • Let proof for about 5 minutes.

3. Add melted butter to dry ingredients, stirring until distributed and sandy in texture.

4. Make a well in the middle of dry ingredients and add:

   • Activated yeast

   • Egg whites

5. Mix well; adjust dry or wet ingredients as needed. The dough should be easy to shape.

6. Cover and set aside for 10–15 minutes for starches to absorb liquids.

7. Dust dough ball and work surface with cornstarch.

   ·  Cut dough into workable sized sections

   ·  Roll out a 1” thick rope

   ·  Cut into 1 1/4” pieces

   ·  Roll those pieces into a ball

   ·  Shape into soft-edged cubes

   ·  Final cubes will be approximately 1” x 1” x 1 1/14”

8. Let the dough rise until slightly poofed, approximately 45–60 minutes.

9. Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

10. In the Dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon baking soda per cup of water (2-3” deep). When the water is almost boiling, add baking soda.

11. Boil the pretzel bites in small batches (6 at a time) for 20-30 seconds. They will float.

12. Place the boiled bites onto a baking tray. Sprinkle extra coarse salt on top (optional).

13. Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.

14. Brush melted butter on each bite.

15. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then enjoy your fresh Pretzel Bites!

Why Activate Fast Acting Yeast

According to package directions, there is no need to activate this yeast; however, I find that it works better to activate the yeast for GF baked goods

Make a well; pour in activated yeast.png

Dough is the right proportion of wet and dry ingredients when you can easily shape it.png

Sprinkle dough ball and work surface with corn starch to keep it from sticking.png

Cut into workable size sections; cut into one and one quarter inch pieces; roll dough then shape.png

Let rise 45 – 60 minutes, until they spring back when you gently press on them.png

Add 1 tablespoon baking soda for every cup of water; water should be about 3 inches deep.png

Boil the pretzel bites in small batches (6 at a time) for 20-30 seconds; they will float.png

When fresh out of water, sprinkle extra coarse salt (optional) on bites.png

After baking, brush a layer of melted butter on each bite.png

Easy Beer Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons 1:1 flour

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup gluten-free beer (such as Green’s Amber Ale)

• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 teaspoon your favorite mustard

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium to medium-low heat until bubbly

2. Sprinkle in flour and whisk until golden brown and smells slightly nutty (1-2 minutes)

3. Drizzle in milk, stirring continuously.

4. Gradually stir in beer

5. Gradually add grated sharp cheese, stirring until melted and well-blended

6. Add mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and salt (optional)

7. Continue stirring until the cheese to blend until melted

8. Beer cheese will naturally thicken as it cools

Drizzle in milk, stirring continuously.png

Gradually stir in beer.png

Add grated sharp cheese, stirring until melted and well-blended.png

Add mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and salt (optional).png

If you're passionate about all things cheesy, these delectable recipes are tailor-made for your taste buds. Brace yourself for a culinary adventure that mirrors your love for cheese. Your cheese-loving heart will thank you for this mouthwatering exploration!

• Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich

• Macaroni and Cheese: Quick, Easy and Deliciously Satisfying

• Gnocchi Alfredo

• Chicken Parmesan