Grilled Soft Pretzel Bites With Pennsylvania Beer Cheese

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the golden, salty crunch of a freshly grilled soft pretzel bite — especially when it’s made outdoor-style on the Arteflame grill. This Pennsylvania-inspired recipe delivers bite-sized pretzel goodness right off the griddle, with a soft interior and crispy, buttery crust. Paired with a creamy beer cheese dip and spicy mustard, it’s the ultimate game-day snack or backyard favorite. The versatility and perfect sear of the Arteflame flat-top cooktop make grilling pretzel bites easy, giving these bites just the right texture and flavor. Let’s fire up the grill and bring a taste of Pennsylvania right to your backyard.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for brushing)
• 1/4 cup baking soda (for water bath)
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
• Coarse kosher salt for sprinkling
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Pennsylvania lager-style beer
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Spicy mustard, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack dry firewood over the oiled napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the fire build for about 20 minutes until the griddle and center grate are fully heated and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Make the pretzel dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes or until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, salt and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rest, covered with a damp towel, for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Shape and prepare the pretzel bites

1. Roll dough into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches).
2. Bring a small pot of water to a boil off the grill and carefully mix in baking soda.
3. Dip pretzel bites into the baking soda water for 15 seconds each, then remove and place on a tray.
4. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle coarse salt over the tops.

Step 4: Grill the pretzel bites on the Arteflame

1. Place prepared bites on the flat cooktop (closer to the center for a hotter zone).
2. Grill for about 2–3 minutes per side, rotating to get a golden brown and evenly crusted surface.
3. Brush with melted butter while grilling for deeper flavor and shine.

Step 5: Make the Pennsylvania beer cheese dip

1. On the flat griddle, place cheddar, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and beer into a grill-safe cast iron fondue pot or small grill-safe bowl (omit the pot if preferred, melt straight on the cooktop in a thick cheese mound).
2. Stir until melted and smooth while sitting on a lower heat zone of the cooktop.
3. Season with cayenne and adjust salt to taste.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

1. Arrange pretzel bites on a serving platter.
2. Serve hot with beer cheese and a side of spicy mustard.

Tips

• Always keep an eye on zone temperatures — center area cooks faster.
• Brush pretzels with melted butter just before finishing for a glossy, rich crust.
• Cheese dip can stay warm right on the outer cooktop edge as you serve.
• Do not overboil the pretzel bites in baking soda — they’ll get bitter.
• Let the grill run high to sear the exterior, but move pretzels outward to prevent overcooking.

Variations

1. Garlic-Parmesan Pretzel Bites: Mix grated parmesan and minced garlic into the dough, and finish with a sprinkle of garlic butter while grilling.
2. Jalapeño Cheddar Bites: Add chopped pickled jalapeños and shredded cheddar into the dough for a spicy twist.
3. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Bites: Skip the salt, and after grilling, brush with butter and toss in cinnamon sugar. Serve with cream cheese icing.
4. Everything Bagel Pretzel Bites: Instead of salt, top pretzel bites with everything bagel seasoning before grilling.
5. Smoky Bacon Cheddar Bites: Fold in crispy diced bacon and smoked cheddar into the dough for deep flavor.

Conclusion

These Pennsylvania-style grilled pretzel bites are the perfect union of crispy edges, buttery finish, and soft interiors — all achieved on the versatile Arteflame grill. No oven required, just pure outdoor flavor and fun. Whip up a batch for parties, watch games, or as an appetizer — and enjoy everything your Arteflame can do.

Best pairings

• Pennsylvania Lager or IPA
• Charcuterie meats grilled on the Arteflame
• Bavarian-style grilled sausages
• German-style coleslaw with apple cider vinegar
• Grilled apples with cinnamon as dessert