Ingredients

                                  • 8 Hickory Smoked Bacon Slices, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
                                  • 1 (12oz.) package Frozen Pretzel Bites (such as Superpretzel), salt packet reserved
                                  • 1 (8oz.) package Cream Cheese, softened
                                  • 1 (8oz.) block sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
                                  • 1 (7oz.) block Havarti Cheese, shredded (about 1 ¾ cups)
                                  • ½ cup (4oz.) IPA-style Beer
                                  • 2 tbsp. Whole Grain Mustard
                                  • ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
                                  • ⅛ tsp. Cayenne Pepper
                                  • 2 tbsp. Fresh Chives, finely chopped

Instructions

                                  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a 9-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add chopped bacon, and cook, stirring often, until fat is rendered and bacon is almost crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a papertowel-lined plate, and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings in skillet.
                                  2. Toss together pretzel bites and 2 tablespoons of water on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the reserved salt packet evenly over pretzel bites, tossing until coated, and set aside. Discard the remaining half of the reserved salt packet.
                                  3. Stir together cream cheese, cheddar, havarti, beer, mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Spoon cheese mixture into skillet, and spread in an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven until hot and bubbly around the edges, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, and let cool for 5 minutes (do not turn off the oven).
                                  4. While the dip cools, bake pretzels at 400 degrees until heated through, about 5 minutes. Arrange pretzel bites around edges of dip in skillet; sprinkle center evenly with chives and reserved bacon. Served dip immediately with any remaining pretzel bites.