Warm & Gooey Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet with Soft Pretzels Recipe

Crisp autumn evenings call for a delightful pumpkin beer cheese skillet that blends comfort with unexpected flavors.

Craft breweries inspire this hearty dish, merging rich beer notes with creamy cheese textures.

Local ingredients make each bite sing with seasonal warmth.

Sharp cheddar melts into golden pools around smooth pumpkin undertones.

Soft pretzels become perfect dipping companions for this molten creation.

Beer’s subtle maltiness complements the cheese’s tangy complexity.

Ingredients To Make Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet

Main Ingredients:

• Water: Helps activate the yeast and form the dough.
• Honey: Provides sweetness and helps yeast activate.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating texture.
• Flour: The primary base for the pretzel dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor of the pretzel dough.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender dough.

• Beer: Provides depth of flavor and liquid base for the cheese sauce.
• Cheese: Creates the creamy, rich sauce for dipping.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth roux for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.

• Egg, Flaked Salt, Chives: Baking and garnish ingredients that enhance flavor and appearance.
• Baking Soda: Used in the water bath to give pretzels their distinctive color and texture.

Instructions For Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In an electric stand mixer with a dough hook, blend water, honey, and yeast.

Allow the mixture to sit and become foamy for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Pretzel Dough

• Flour
• Salt
• Butter

Mix thoroughly with the dough hook.

Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surfaces

Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.

Step 4: Shape Pretzel Rolls

Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces.

Form each piece into a roll, pinching the ends underneath to create a rounded shape.

Step 5: Second Dough Rise

Place dough balls on baking sheets.

Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Craft Beer Cheese

Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Stir in beer, whisking well to combine.

Step 7: Finish Beer Cheese

Reduce heat to low.

Add cheese in small handfuls, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Step 8: Prepare Oven and Skillet

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Prepare a 12-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet.

Step 9: Boil Pretzel Rolls

Bring 2 quarts of water to a low boil.

Add baking soda and lower to a simmer.

Using a slotted spoon, dip pretzel rolls into water.

Boil for 30 seconds, turn, and boil another 30 seconds.

Remove to prepared sheet pans.

Step 10: Egg Wash and Seasoning

Brush each roll with beaten egg, coating all sides completely.

Use a sharp knife to cut an “x” in the center of each roll.

Sprinkle with flaked salt.

Step 11: Arrange in Skillet

Place pretzel rolls in a ring around the edge of the cast iron skillet.

Pour beer cheese in the center.

Add any remaining rolls to a separate baking sheet.

Step 12: Bake and Serve

Bake skillet and additional rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Remove from oven, sprinkle chives over beer cheese.

Cool slightly and serve.

Cooking Tips For Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet

• Ensure water is lukewarm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a perfect foamy base for soft pretzels.
• Boil dough in baking soda water to get that classic golden-brown, glossy pretzel exterior with authentic bakery-style appearance.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and develop soft, fluffy texture.
• Whisk continuously while adding cheese to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce that complements the pretzels perfectly.
• Use a sharp knife for scoring pretzels and handle gently to maintain their airy, light structure during preparation.

Flavor Options For Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet

• Gluten-Free Pretzel Version: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add xanthan gum for better dough structure. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Beer Cheese Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and plant-based beer. Use vegan butter and plant-based milk for pretzel dough.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pretzel Option: Create pretzel dough using riced cauliflower, almond flour, and eggs. Pair with a lighter, protein-rich cheese sauce made from cream cheese and sharp cheddar.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like almond or coconut-based cheese. Select a dairy-free milk for the pretzel dough and ensure all ingredients accommodate dairy restrictions.

Suggested Sides For Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet

• Game Night Delights: Perfect for sharing with friends during movie marathons or sports events, this skillet creates an interactive dining experience.
• Oktoberfest Celebration: Transport yourself to a German beer hall with these soft pretzels and cheesy beer sauce, ideal for autumn gatherings and festive occasions.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Transform a classic appetizer into a showstopping centerpiece that brings warmth and excitement to your table, guaranteed to impress guests with its rustic charm.
• Dipping Adventure: Encourage everyone to tear, dunk, and enjoy each pretzel roll into the creamy, beer-infused cheese sauce, creating a fun and communal eating moment.

Proper Storage For Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet

• Store leftover pretzels and beer cheese in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, maintaining their soft texture and taste.
• Warm pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Gently reheat cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What is the key ingredient that makes the beer cheese unique?

The pumpkin adds a seasonal twist to the traditional beer cheese, creating a rich, autumn-inspired flavor that complements the soft pretzels perfectly.

• Why do I need to boil the pretzel dough before baking?

Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water helps create that classic dark, chewy pretzel exterior and gives them their signature glossy, golden-brown crust.

• Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise the first time, then refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature and complete the rising and shaping process before baking.

• What type of beer works best for this recipe?

A pumpkin ale or an amber ale works wonderfully, adding depth and complementing the pumpkin flavor in the beer cheese.

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet With Pretzels Benefits

• Craft a Comforting Crowd-Pleaser: This pumpkin beer cheese skillet transforms a classic snack into a showstopping dish that brings people together with its warm, gooey cheese and perfectly golden pretzels.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Effort: The recipe combines simple ingredients like beer, cheese, and homemade pretzel dough to create a complex, rich flavor profile that seems much more complicated than it actually is.
• Perfect for Social Gatherings: Whether it's game day, movie night, or a casual get-together, this skillet appetizer becomes an instant conversation starter that encourages sharing and interactive dining.
• Versatile Cooking Experience: Suitable for both novice and experienced home cooks, the recipe offers a fun cooking challenge with step-by-step techniques like making roux, boiling pretzels, and creating a beautiful skillet presentation.

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet with Soft Pretzels Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Pumpkin Beer Cheese Skillet with Soft Pretzels delivers autumn’s warmest comfort in one irresistible dish. Craft beer, creamy cheese, and golden pretzels blend perfectly for seasonal satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Soft Pretzel Dough:

• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons)
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Pretzel Coating and Topping:

• 0.25 cups baking soda
• 3 tablespoons pretzel salt or flaked salt

Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin beer
• 16 ounces white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 4 ounces gruyere cheese, freshly grated
• fresh chopped chives for topping

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by mixing with warm water and honey in an electric stand mixer, allowing 5-10 minutes for foaming to occur.
2. Incorporate flour, salt, and butter into the yeast mixture using a dough hook until thoroughly combined. Allow dough to rise in a warm location for 1 hour until volume doubles.
3. Gently deflate risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
4. Prepare two parchment-lined sheet pans for pretzel rolls.
5. Divide dough into 16 equal portions, shaping each into a rounded roll with pinched bottom seams.
6. Position dough balls on prepared sheet pans and cover, letting rise in a warm area for approximately 30 minutes.
7. Prepare beer cheese by creating a roux: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook until golden and fragrant.
8. Pour beer into the roux, whisking thoroughly to integrate. Reduce heat and gradually incorporate cheese until smooth and fully melted.
9. Heat oven to 425°F and prepare a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
10. Bring water to a low boil in a large saucepan, adding baking soda. Gently bathe pretzel rolls in simmering water for 30 seconds per side using a slotted spoon.
11. Brush boiled rolls with beaten egg, create a central “x” cut, and sprinkle with flaked salt.
12. Arrange pretzel rolls around skillet edge, filling center with prepared beer cheese.
13. Bake for 18-20 minutes until pretzels turn golden brown. Garnish beer cheese with fresh chives before serving.

Notes

• Activate the yeast properly by ensuring water temperature is warm (around 110°F) but not hot, which can kill the yeast and prevent dough from rising.
• Knead the pretzel dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a chewy and stretchy texture that’s essential for authentic soft pretzels.
• Boil pretzels in baking soda water bath briefly to achieve that classic dark, shiny pretzel exterior with a distinctive flavor and crisp crust.
• Customize beer cheese by experimenting with different beer styles like amber ale or stout to create unique flavor profiles that complement the pumpkin notes.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 434 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg