Name: IPA & red leicester dip with pretzel croutons
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 30g butter; 30g plain flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp mustard powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 200ml whole milk; 175ml IPA beer; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 200g red leicester cheese grated; small handful of chives finely sliced; 4 whole soft pretzels; 1 tbsp sunflower oil

IPA & red leicester dip with pretzel croutons

Serve this Bavarian-inspired beer and pretzel combo at your next party – it's a surefire crowd pleaser, with a little kick from cayenne pepper

45 min total 15 min prep 30 min cook 10 258 cal

Instructions

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1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. To make the pretzel croutons, tear the pretzels into small pieces and place on a roasting tray. Drizzle over the oil, then toss together to coat using your hands. Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins until golden and crisp.
2 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Once melted and foaming, stir in the flour to make a paste. Cook, stirring from time to time, for 2-3 mins, until slightly darkened. Mix in the garlic powder, mustard powder and cayenne pepper, if using, then gradually and slowly pour in the milk, splash by splash, whisking well after each addition. Pour in the beer and whisk it in. Bring to a simmer and leave to bubble for 5 mins until thickened and reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Worcestershire sauce and cheese. Pour into a warm dish and sprinkle with chives. Serve straightaway.