Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce

If you’re looking for a golden, chewy, and flavor-packed appetizer, these homemade pretzel bites with cheese are a must-try. Perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp crust, these bite-sized pretzels are even better when dipped in the creamy, gooey cheddar cheese sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving game-day snacks, or just craving a savory treat, this recipe will satisfy every bite.

Ingredients

For Pretzel Bites

• 1½ cups lukewarm water
• 2¼ teaspoons instant rise yeast (¼-ounce packet)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour (plus up to 1 more cup if needed)
• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 egg (beaten)
• ½ tablespoon water
• Coarse salt for sprinkling

For Cheese Sauce

• ¼ cup salted butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2¼ cups whole milk
• 2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Pretzel Bites

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together lukewarm water and instant yeast.
2. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to the mixture and whisk until combined.
3. Attach the dough hook and slowly add in flour, ½ cup at a time, until dough pulls away from the bowl.
4. If dough is sticky, add more flour in small amounts until soft and bounces back when poked.
5. Place dough on a lightly floured surface, knead by hand for 2 minutes, and shape into a ball.
6. Place dough into a greased mixing bowl, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
7. While resting, bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil.
8. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, roll into ropes (about 1 inch thick), and cut into 1½-inch bites.
9. Preheat oven to 425°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Drop dough bites into boiling water for 20 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
11. Place bites evenly on baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
12. Beat egg and water together, brush over pretzel bites, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
13. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter.
2. Whisk in flour until smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously.
4. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, for about 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Add grated cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
6. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
7. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
8. Serve warm with pretzel bites.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these pretzel bites warm, straight out of the oven, with the creamy cheese dip on the side for dunking. They’re perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even as part of a game-day spread. For parties, you can keep them warm by placing them on a baking sheet in the oven at 200°F until ready to serve. Leftover pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back their chewy texture. The cheese sauce should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to make it smooth again.

Variations

1. Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites – After baking, brush bites with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and grated Parmesan, and serve with marinara dipping sauce.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Sauce – Stir in chopped fresh jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites – Skip the salt topping, brush with butter after baking, and roll in cinnamon sugar. Pair with cream cheese frosting or a vanilla glaze for dipping.
4. Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites – Swap some of the milk in the cheese sauce with your favorite beer for a bold, pub-style flavor.
5. Stuffed Cheese Pretzel Bites – Wrap dough around small cubes of mozzarella or cheddar before boiling, creating gooey cheese-filled centers.
6. Everything Bagel Pretzel Bites – Sprinkle the bites with everything bagel seasoning instead of coarse salt for a fun twist.
7. Sweet Pretzel Bites with Chocolate Dip – Coat baked bites in melted butter, roll in powdered sugar, and serve with chocolate ganache for dessert.
8. Cheddar Ranch Pretzel Bites – Mix dry ranch seasoning into melted butter, brush over baked bites, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar.
9. Buffalo Pretzel Bites – Toss baked bites in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dip.
10. Vegan Pretzel Bites with Dairy-Free Cheese Dip – Use vegan butter and plant-based cheese for a completely dairy-free version.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
2. Why is baking soda used in the boiling step?
   It helps create the chewy texture and signature deep-brown crust of pretzels.
3. Can I freeze pretzel bites?
   Yes, baked pretzel bites can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
4. How do I keep pretzels soft after baking?
   Store them in a sealed container or bread bag to trap moisture. Avoid refrigeration unless storing longer than 2 days.
5. What if I don’t have coarse salt?
   You can use flaky sea salt or even regular table salt, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
   Yes, but the texture will be denser. You may want to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose for balance.
7. How do I stop the cheese sauce from clumping?
   Whisk constantly and cook over medium-low heat. Adding the cheese slowly also prevents clumps.
8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly since pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents.
9. Can I make pretzel bites gluten-free?
   Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary.
10. Can I air fry pretzel bites instead of baking?
    Yes, cook them at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.

Pretzel bites with cheese are the ultimate snack, perfect for sharing at parties, game nights, or simply indulging at home. With their chewy, golden exterior and rich, creamy cheese dip, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Plus, with endless variations, you can customize them to fit any craving.

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