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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate flour, salt, and melted butter into the activated yeast mixture. Blend ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the dough vigorously on a clean surface for 6-8 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture.
- 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.
- Heat the oven to 425F (220C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Deflate the risen dough and divide it into four equal segments. Roll each segment into a slender rope, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Gently flatten each dough piece, nestle a cube of cheese in the center, and meticulously seal the edges to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Prepare a boiling water bath by bringing water to a rolling boil and dissolving baking soda.
- Carefully submerge pretzel bites in the alkaline solution for 20-30 seconds, removing them with a perforated spoon.
- Arrange boiled bites on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces.
- Generously brush each bite with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor and appearance.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the pretzels achieve a rich, deep golden-brown color, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter for a luxurious, glossy finish.
- 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