Quick & Chewy Pretzel Bites With Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden pretzel bites dancing with cheddar cheese sauce promise a snack that’ll make taste buds leap with joy.

Small, puffy dough nuggets bring serious comfort to any gathering.

Soft, pillowy centers contrast beautifully with their perfectly salted exterior.

Salt crystals add a delightful crunch that complements the smooth, velvety cheese.

Warm melted cheddar creates an irresistible coating that turns simple bites into something magical.

Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these little morsels will disappear faster than you can imagine.

Jump into this recipe and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure deliciousness.

Top Questions About PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

• Why do I need to activate the yeast first?

Activating yeast ensures it’s alive and ready to help the dough rise, creating a fluffy and flavorful texture for your pretzel bites.

• How do I know the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When you gently press it, the indentation should slowly spring back, indicating it’s perfectly proofed.

• What's the purpose of boiling pretzel bites in baking soda water?

The alkaline bath gives pretzels their signature golden-brown color, glossy exterior, and distinctive chewy texture that sets them apart from regular bread.

• Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and reheat it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth, creamy consistency.

What Makes PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE So Tasty

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, these pretzel bites require minimal technical expertise and deliver maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults, these bite-sized treats become an instant hit at game nights, parties, and family gatherings.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: From start to finish, this recipe offers a fun and engaging cooking experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy appetizer without overwhelming complexity.
• Versatile Dipping Delight: The homemade cheddar cheese sauce elevates these pretzel bites from good to extraordinary, creating a customizable snack that adapts to various taste preferences and occasions.

Everything Needed For PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

• Flour: The fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pretzel bites.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control yeast activity in the dough.

• Active Dry Yeast, Sugar: These ingredients work together to create a frothy, aromatic mixture that helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Warm Water: Provides the ideal environment for yeast to activate and bloom.

• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft interior of the pretzel bites.
• Egg: Used for brushing to achieve a golden, shiny exterior with a crisp finish.

• Water, Baking Soda: Creates an alkaline bath that gives pretzels their signature glossy, dark brown crust and distinctive flavor.

• Coarse Sea Salt: Provides a classic pretzel finish with a burst of saltiness and crunchy texture.

• Butter: Forms the base of the roux and adds richness to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy flavor to the dipping sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Mustard Powder: These spices add depth and complexity to the cheese sauce.

Easy Prep For PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

Step 1: Awaken The Yeast

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit until it becomes bubbly and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they look like soft, crumbly sand.

Step 3: Merge Dough Components

Pour the activated yeast mixture and melted butter into the flour mixture. Knead the dough thoroughly until it feels smooth and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm spot. Allow it to expand and double in size, which takes roughly one hour.

Step 5: Shape Pretzel Bites

Punch down the risen dough and divide into small, consistent pieces. Roll each piece into a compact ball.

Step 6: Prepare Boiling Bath

Fill a large pot with water and baking soda. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Boil Pretzel Bites

Drop each dough ball into the simmering solution. Allow them to bathe for 20-30 seconds, ensuring even coating.

Step 8: Drain And Arrange

Remove the boiled bites using a slotted spoon. Place them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 9: Prepare For Baking

Brush each bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Step 10: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 425°F oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bites turn beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 11: Craft Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a smooth base.

Step 12: Build Sauce Layers

Slowly pour milk into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 13: Enhance Cheese Sauce

• Shredded cheddar
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Mustard powder

Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and fully blended.

Step 14: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the warm pretzel bites alongside the rich, velvety cheese sauce for dipping.

Simple Tips For PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

• Boost Yeast Activation: Ensure water is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom perfectly without killing the live cultures.
• Quick Dough Kneading: Use the heel of your hand to push and fold dough, creating smooth elasticity faster and more effectively.
• Salt Selection Matters: Choose coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for authentic flavor and beautiful texture on the golden-brown surface.
• Perfect Boiling Technique: Keep baking soda water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent pretzel bites from falling apart during alkaline bath.
• Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create silky consistency.

Ways To Change Up PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

• Gluten-Free Pretzel Bites: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour, ensuring a crispy texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Bites: Swap regular flour with whole wheat flour, boosting nutritional value and adding a nutty, robust flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Herb-Infused Savory Variation: Mix dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano directly into the dough, creating aromatic pretzel bites with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Version: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the cheese sauce and sprinkle diced peppers on top of pretzel bites for a fiery kick that elevates the original recipe.

Tasty Pairings For PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pairing Pretzel Bites with Perfect Companions
• Match Tangy Craft Beer: German-style wheat beer or hoppy IPA cuts through the rich, salty pretzel bites with crisp carbonation and complementary malty notes.
• Select Robust Dipping Wines: Dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer provides bright acidity that balances the cheese sauce's creamy texture while enhancing the pretzel's saltiness.
• Create Zesty Cocktail Companion: Bloody Mary with its spicy tomato base and herbal undertones creates a dynamic contrast against the cheesy, bready pretzel bites.
• Elevate Beverage Experience: Sparkling apple cider offers a refreshing, slightly sweet alternative that cleanses the palate between indulgent cheese-covered bites.

How To Keep PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE Fresh

• Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap pretzel bites individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread bites on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Briefly broil for 1-2 minutes to restore original crispness, watching carefully to prevent burning. Serve with freshly warmed cheese sauce for best results.

Pretzel Bites With Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 37-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce offer a delightful twist on classic bar snacks, combining golden-brown pretzels with a creamy, rich cheese dip. Crispy exterior and tender center make these irresistible bites perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo.

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Boiling Solution:

• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

Topping:

• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp coarse sea salt

Cheddar Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, creating a soft, sandy texture for the pretzel base.
3. Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the flour, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small, uniform bite-sized pieces, rolling each into a compact ball.
6. Prepare the boiling solution by combining water and baking soda in a large pot, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
7. Carefully drop pretzel bites into the simmering solution for 20-30 seconds, ensuring each piece gets a quick alkaline bath.
8. Remove the boiled bites with a slotted spoon, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
10. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 12-15 minutes until the bites turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
11. For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour to create a smooth roux.
12. Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
13. Incorporate shredded cheddar, garlic powder, black pepper, and mustard powder, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and fully integrated.
14. Serve the warm pretzel bites immediately alongside the rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Enhance yeast activation by using water between 100-110°F for optimal fermentation and a robust flavor profile.
• Experiment with different flour types like whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and create unique texture variations.
• Master the boiling technique by ensuring consistent water temperature and brief immersion to achieve that signature pretzel exterior with a chewy, golden-brown finish.
• Elevate cheese sauce by using aged cheddar or adding smoked paprika for deeper, more complex flavor dimensions that complement the pretzel bites’ salty crunch.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 27-45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg