Pretzel Bites with Cheese

Pretzel bites with cheddar cheese sauce are a perfect appetizer or snack that combines a golden, chewy exterior with a creamy, gooey dip. This homemade recipe is easy to follow and results in irresistible pretzel bites that are packed with flavor. Whether for a party, game day, or casual snacking, these cheese-covered pretzel bites will satisfy everyone.

Ingredients

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 all-purpose flour (plus up to 1 more cup if dough is sticky)
• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 egg (beaten)
• ½ tablespoon water
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Cheese Sauce

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

Instructions

Pretzel Bites

1. In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together lukewarm water and instant yeast.
2. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt; whisk until combined.
3. Attach dough hook and slowly add 3 cups flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until dough pulls away from the sides.
4. If dough is sticky, add flour ¼ cup at a time until it bounces back when poked.
5. Place dough on floured surface, knead 2 minutes, shape into a ball.
6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rest 10 minutes.
7. Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil.
8. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, roll each into 1-inch ropes, then cut into 1½-inch bites.
9. Working in batches, boil pretzel bites for 20 seconds, then remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
10. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
11. Beat egg and water together; brush over each pretzel bite.
12. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
13. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in whole milk, cooking until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Season with salt, ground mustard powder, and pepper.

Serve pretzel bites warm with the cheddar cheese sauce for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve pretzel bites warm for the best chewy texture and gooey cheese experience.
• Pair with extra cheddar cheese sauce or your favorite dips like mustard or ranch.
• For parties, keep pretzel bites warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
• Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, warm pretzel bites in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
• Cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container; reheat gently on the stove, stirring often.
• Avoid microwaving cheese sauce for long periods to prevent separation.
• Pretzel bites also freeze well — freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven from frozen.

Variations

1. Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
   Before baking, brush the pretzel bites with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. This adds a savory, aromatic twist perfect for garlic lovers.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Sauce
   Add finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. This variation pairs well with the mild, chewy pretzel bites for those who enjoy a little heat.
3. Beer Cheese Sauce
   Replace part of the milk in the cheese sauce with your favorite beer (such as a lager or ale) to create a rich, slightly tangy beer cheese dip. This is a great option for game day or adult gatherings.
4. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
   Skip the coarse salt and brush baked pretzel bites with melted butter, then toss them in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat. Serve with cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze instead of cheese sauce.
5. Stuffed Pretzel Bites
   Before boiling, place a small cube of cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella) inside each piece of dough, then seal and proceed with boiling and baking. The result is a gooey cheese center inside each bite.
6. Whole Wheat Pretzel Bites
   Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier flavor and added fiber. Dough texture will be slightly denser but just as delicious.
7. Herb-Infused Cheese Sauce
   Add fresh or dried herbs such as chives, thyme, or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for extra depth of flavor. This variation complements the mild cheddar with subtle herbal notes.

Each of these variations can easily customize the basic pretzel bites with cheese recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.

FAQs

1. Can I make pretzel bites without a stand mixer?
   Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It may take a bit more effort, but the results will be just as good.
2. What type of cheese is best for the cheese sauce?
   Mild cheddar cheese works well for a creamy, smooth sauce, but you can also use sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different flavors.
3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
   Yes, but you’ll need to proof active dry yeast in warm water with a little sugar for about 5–10 minutes before adding it to the other ingredients.
4. How important is the baking soda bath?
   The baking soda bath is essential for creating the classic pretzel crust and deep brown color. It helps the pretzel bites develop their signature chewy texture and salty crust.
5. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough, refrigerate it covered overnight, then shape, boil, and bake the pretzel bites the next day.
6. How do I store leftover pretzel bites?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness before serving.
7. Can I freeze pretzel bites?
   Yes, freeze baked pretzel bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Reheat in the oven from frozen.
8. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
   You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may differ. Adding xanthan gum can help improve dough elasticity.
9. Can I make the cheese sauce dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute dairy butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make a vegan-friendly cheese sauce.
10. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
    Gradually add more flour, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky and springs back when poked. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the bites soft and chewy.

Making pretzel bites with cheese sauce at home is easier than you might think. This recipe delivers soft, golden bites with a salty crust alongside a rich cheddar dip that everyone will love. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, pretzel bites with cheese are a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in under an hour. Try this recipe today and experience the deliciousness for yourself.

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