Addictive Crispy Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Warm, golden pretzel bites with cheddar cheese sauce offer a delightful twist on classic snack fare.

The crispy exterior and soft interior create an irresistible texture that beckons hungry hands.

Salt-sprinkled and perfectly golden, these pretzel bites deliver a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Homemade cheese sauce adds a rich, creamy complement that elevates this simple treat from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each morsel promises a burst of flavor that dances between salty and tangy.

The combination of soft dough and sharp cheddar makes these bites impossible to resist.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to disappear quickly at any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Pretzel Bites & Cheese Sauce

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop gluten structure, choose filtered water for best results.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and creates subtle sweetness, use granulated white sugar for consistent performance.
• Active Dry Yeast: Provides essential rising power, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy pretzel texture, select unbleached flour for better flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb, select high-quality butter for superior taste.

• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine and deep brown color, use fresh baking soda for maximum effectiveness.
• Large Egg: Provides golden exterior and helps seasonings stick, choose room temperature egg.
• Coarse Salt: Delivers classic pretzel flavor and crunchy texture, kosher salt works perfectly.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth sauce base, use European-style butter for richer flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens sauce, sift to prevent lumps.
• Whole Milk: Ensures creamy consistency, whole milk creates richer sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers robust cheese flavor, freshly grated cheese melts most smoothly.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth, choose high-quality powder for best flavor.
• Mustard Powder: Provides tangy undertone, enhances cheese complexity.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and dimension, freshly ground provides best taste.

Tools to Shape Pretzels and Stir the Sauce

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Baking Sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper for baking pretzel bites.
• Slotted Spoon: For removing pretzel bites from boiling water.
• Large Pot: For boiling pretzel bites in water and baking soda.
• Saucepan: For preparing the cheddar cheese sauce.
• Whisk: To mix and blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting dough into bite-sized pieces.
• Pastry Brush: To apply egg wash on pretzel bites.
• Cooling Rack: Optional for cooling baked pretzel bites.

Making Pretzel Bites from Dough to Dip

• Mix Dough Starter

Combine water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit and become bubbly, allowing the yeast to wake up and get active.

• Knead and Rise

Work flour, salt, and melted butter into the mixture. Massage the dough until it feels smooth and springy. Place in a cozy, greased bowl and let it expand for about an hour.

• Shape Bite-Sized Treats

Divide the puffy dough into sections. Roll each piece into long ropes and chop them into bite-sized chunks.

• Boil and Prep

Submerge the dough nuggets in boiling water with baking soda. This quick bath gives them that classic pretzel shine and texture.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush each piece with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Slide into a hot oven until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color.

• Whip Up Cheesy Dip

Melt butter in a pan, then blend in flour. Slowly pour milk and stir until creamy. Add cheese and seasonings, stirring until silky smooth.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm, crispy pretzel bites alongside the rich, melted cheese sauce. Grab, dip, and savor the deliciousness!

Toppings, Mix-Ins, and Cheese Sauce Additions

• Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like inside your oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water nearby to help it rise faster and more evenly.
• Use coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for authentic texture and stronger flavor burst compared to regular table salt.
• Knead until dough feels smooth and springs back when gently pressed – this ensures perfect chewy pretzel texture.
• Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a fiery kick that'll wake up taste buds.
• Mix in fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme to elevate the cheese sauce's flavor profile and add beautiful green flecks.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better dough structure.
• Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese to create a similar creamy dipping sauce.

Ways to Serve Pretzel Bites with Big Flavor

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange pretzel bites beautifully on a wooden board with small bowls of cheese sauce, surrounded by fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Game Day Delight: Serve these crispy bites during sports events, allowing guests to grab and dip easily while enjoying the excitement of the game.
• Movie Night Munchies: Pack pretzel bites in small individual containers with sealed cheese sauce, creating a portable and fun snacking experience for home entertainment.
• Picnic Crowd-Pleaser: Wrap pretzel bites and cheese sauce separately in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, ensuring a delicious and convenient finger food option that stays fresh.

How to Keep Pretzels and Cheese Sauce Fresh

• Store cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep the cheese sauce refrigerated separately in a sealed container for maximum freshness.
• Freeze pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 weeks. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Refrigerate leftover cheese sauce for 4-5 days. When reheating, use low heat and stir frequently to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of milk if sauce becomes too thick.
• Prepare pretzel dough and cheese sauce a day ahead. Store dough in the refrigerator and sauce in a sealed container. Allow dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.

FAQs

• What makes the dough rise properly?

The key is using warm water (not hot) around 110°F, which activates the yeast without killing it. Let the yeast mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.

• Why boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?

Boiling in baking soda water creates the classic pretzel brown, shiny exterior and gives them that distinctive pretzel flavor. The alkaline bath helps develop the signature pretzel crust and golden-brown color.

• Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses. Just ensure the cheese melts smoothly and complements the pretzel’s flavor.

• How do I know the dough is kneaded enough?

The dough is properly kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and stops sticking to your hands. After 5-7 minutes of kneading, the gluten will develop, giving the pretzel bites a nice texture.

Crispy Pretzel Bites With Cheddar Cheese Sauce

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Scrumptious Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce deliver classic German beer hall flavors in miniature form. Crisp exterior and pillowy center make these irresistible snacks perfect for parties and gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• ⅔ cup (160g) baking soda
• 10 cups (2.4L) water (for boiling)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Dough Preparation: Integrate flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for one hour or until doubled in size.
3. Pretzel Shaping: Divide the risen dough into four portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope and cut into 1-inch bites. Prepare a baking soda bath by combining water and baking soda in a large pot.
4. Boiling Process: Briefly poach pretzel bites in the baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush each bite with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
6. Baking: Roast in a preheated 425F (220C) oven for 12-15 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown color.
7. Cheese Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook briefly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Incorporate cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Serving: Present warm pretzel bites with the luxurious cheddar cheese sauce for an irresistible dipping experience.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is precisely between 100-110°F to guarantee proper yeast blooming without killing the microorganisms.
• Perfect Dough Elasticity: Knead dough thoroughly until it becomes smooth and springs back when gently pressed, indicating optimal gluten development.
• Boiling Technique Matters: Use baking soda bath for authentic pretzel texture, creating that signature golden-brown exterior with a chewy interior.
• Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Incorporate cheese gradually and maintain low heat to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy, ensuring a velvety consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 50mg