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