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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until foamy.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Egg Wash and Seasoning: Brush each bite with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Baking: Roast in a preheated 425F (220C) oven for 12-15 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown color.
- 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.
- 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