The Ultimate Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites with Sea Salt Topping Recipe

Who doesn’t love snacking on these addictive gooey cheesy pretzel bites with their irresistible sea salt topping?

Soft dough wrapped around melted cheese creates pure magic in your mouth.

Crispy edges give way to a molten center that melts instantly.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of saltiness and rich cheese flavor.

Small enough to pop in your mouth, these little gems are ideal for game nights or casual gatherings.

Weekend baking projects rarely get more delightful than crafting these crowd-pleasing morsels.

Grab some friends and start mixing – deliciousness awaits!

What Makes Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping So Addictive

• Quick Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: These gooey cheesy pretzel bites deliver restaurant-style appetizer magic in just over an hour, perfect for game days, movie nights, or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Stress-Free Cooking Experience: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to create impressive, delicious snacks without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Swap cheese types, experiment with different salt varieties, or add herbs and spices to personalize these pretzel bites, making them a versatile recipe that adapts to your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Kid-Approved Snack Solution: Cheesy, salty, and fun to eat, these bite-sized treats will win over children and picky eaters, transforming mealtime into an enjoyable experience with their irresistible golden-brown appearance and gooey cheese center.

What Goes In Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for creating a soft and stretchy pretzel dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and develop flavor.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the pretzel dough.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps combine dough ingredients.

• Cheese Cubes: Provides a gooey, melty center for each pretzel bite.
• Sea Salt: Adds a classic pretzel flavor and crunchy texture.

• Egg: Creates a golden, shiny exterior when used as a wash.
• Additional Butter (Melted): Adds a rich, glossy finish to the baked pretzels.

• Baking Soda: Creates the signature pretzel crust and deep brown color.

Steps To Make Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

In a cozy mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Watch the magic happen as the mixture becomes frothy and alive after 5 minutes.

Step 2: Craft the Dough

• Flour
• Salt
• Melted butter

Pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl. Add the ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a clean surface with love and energy for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a soft kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot. Watch it double in size over the next hour – patience is key!

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Crank up the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Punch down the puffy dough and divide it into four equal sections. Roll each section into a rope, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Gently flatten each piece and tuck a surprise cheese cube inside. Pinch the edges tightly to lock in the cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Create Pretzel Magic

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Stir in baking soda to give the pretzels their signature shine and texture. Carefully drop the bites into the bubbling water, letting them swim for 20-30 seconds. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Egg wash
• Sea salt
• Melted butter

Brush each bite with egg wash and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake until the pretzels turn a deep, gorgeous golden brown (about 12-15 minutes).

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Fresh from the oven, brush the hot pretzel bites with melted butter for an extra luxurious finish. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce – cheese dip, mustard, or ranch are all spectacular choices!

Tips For The Perfect Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping

• Yeast Activation Hack: Ensure water is lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, creating perfect rising conditions for soft, fluffy pretzel bites.
• Cheese Sealing Technique: Pinch dough edges firmly and roll between palms to completely seal cheese inside, preventing leakage during baking.
• Baking Soda Bath Secret: Keep water at rolling boil and limit each pretzel bite's bath to 20-30 seconds for achieving that classic golden-brown pretzel exterior with signature chewy texture.
• Salt Elevation Trick: Sprinkle sea salt immediately after egg wash to help salt crystals adhere better, creating a more intense flavor profile and attractive presentation.
• Butter Brush Brilliance: Apply melted butter right after baking while pretzels are hot to enhance richness and create a glossy, appetizing finish that makes bites irresistibly delicious.

Storage Tips For Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping

• Refrigerate leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap them individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center.
• Freeze extra bites for long-term storage by placing them in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air.
• Frozen pretzel bites can last up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their delicious texture and flavor.

What Tastes Best With Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping

• Pair with Crisp Beer Companions: Belgian-style wheat beers or light pilsners cut through the richness of these cheesy pretzel bites, creating a refreshing contrast that enhances the salty, gooey texture.
• Create Dipping Sauce Symphony: Craft a homemade beer cheese sauce with sharp cheddar and amber ale, or whip up a tangy honey mustard that complements the sea salt topping and adds zesty complexity.
• Match with Casual Wine Selections: Choose a sparkling prosecco or dry riesling to balance the heavy, cheesy snack – their acidity will cleanse the palate and provide a light, elegant counterpoint to the pretzel's robust flavor.
• Complement with Charcuterie Accents: Serve alongside crisp cornichons, spicy salami slices, or pickled onions to add texture and provide a sharp, tangy contrast to the rich, melted cheese inside the pretzel bites.

Creative Twists On Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping

• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers Bites: Stuff the pretzel dough with diced jalapeños and cream cheese for a zesty kick. Sprinkle extra chopped jalapeños on top before baking to intensify the heat.
• Garlic Parmesan Explosion: Mix grated parmesan and minced garlic into the dough. Fill bites with mozzarella and top with extra parmesan and dried parsley for a savory Italian-inspired version.
• Bacon Cheddar Crunch: Incorporate crispy bacon bits into the cheese filling. Fold shredded cheddar cheese inside each bite and sprinkle cooked bacon pieces on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Bites: Knead dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the dough. Stuff with feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, then finish with a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.

Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping FAQs

• What makes these pretzel bites different from regular pretzels?

These pretzel bites are stuffed with gooey cheese inside, creating a delicious surprise when you bite into them. The baking soda bath gives them that classic pretzel texture and golden-brown exterior.

• Can I use different types of cheese for stuffing?

Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack work great. Just cut the cheese into small cubes that fit easily inside the dough pieces.

• Why do I need to do the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath is crucial for creating that signature pretzel flavor and giving the bites their distinctive brown, shiny crust. It’s a traditional pretzel-making technique that adds amazing texture and taste.

• How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?

Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly when sealing the cheese inside. Press firmly and roll the edges to create a complete seal that keeps the cheese contained during baking.

Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites With Sea Salt Topping Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Gooey cheesy pretzel bites dance with irresistible flavor, promising a delightful snack that blends crispy edges and molten cheese centers. Salty sea salt sprinkles elevate these golden morsels, making you crave each perfectly crafted bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites with Sea Salt Topping

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 6 ounces (170 grams) block cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack), cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup baking soda

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a bubbly yeast mixture by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Allow the concoction to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate flour, salt, and melted butter into the activated yeast mixture. Blend ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Knead the dough vigorously on a clean surface for 6-8 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture.
4. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, roughly 60-75 minutes.
5. Heat the oven to 425F (220C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Deflate the risen dough and divide it into four equal segments. Roll each segment into a slender rope, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
7. Gently flatten each dough piece, nestle a cube of cheese in the center, and meticulously seal the edges to prevent leakage during cooking.
8. Prepare a boiling water bath by bringing water to a rolling boil and dissolving baking soda.
9. Carefully submerge pretzel bites in the alkaline solution for 20-30 seconds, removing them with a perforated spoon.
10. Arrange boiled bites on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces.
11. Generously brush each bite with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor and appearance.
12. Bake in the preheated oven until the pretzels achieve a rich, deep golden-brown color, approximately 12-15 minutes.
13. Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter for a luxurious, glossy finish.
14. Serve piping hot alongside complementary dipping sauces like cheese sauce, tangy mustard, or creamy ranch dressing.

Notes

• Select high-protein bread flour for a chewier, more authentic pretzel texture that holds its shape better during baking.
• Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F when activating yeast to prevent killing the active cultures and guarantee proper rising.
• Seal cheese completely inside dough balls by pinching and rolling edges tightly to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
• Use room temperature cheese cubes for more even melting and to prevent sudden temperature changes that could affect dough consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg