Description
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
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In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together lukewarm water and instant yeast.
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Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt; whisk until combined.
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Attach dough hook and slowly add 3 cups flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until dough pulls away from the sides.
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If dough is sticky, add flour ¼ cup at a time until it bounces back when poked.
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Place dough on floured surface, knead 2 minutes, shape into a ball.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rest 10 minutes.
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Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil.
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Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, roll each into 1-inch ropes, then cut into 1½-inch bites.
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Working in batches, boil pretzel bites for 20 seconds, then remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Beat egg and water together; brush over each pretzel bite.
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Sprinkle with coarse salt.
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Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Cheese Sauce
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in whole milk, cooking until thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
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Season with salt, ground mustard powder, and pepper.
Serve pretzel bites warm with the cheddar cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- 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.