Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. These warm, chewy bites come with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce that makes them truly irresistible. They’re easier to make than you might think and perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 3 ounces unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil (for coating the dough)
• 3 quarts water (for boiling)
• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 1 whole egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)
• ½ tablespoon unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
• ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
• ½ cup milk (for cheese sauce)
• 8 ounces Cheddar cheese (grated, for cheese sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, brown sugar, active dry yeast, and melted butter. Mix with the dough hook until combined. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Step 2: Add kosher salt and 4 1/2 cups of flour to the mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 3 to 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and starts pulling away from the bowl. If dough feels too wet, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Step 3: Remove dough from the bowl and knead into a ball on a flat surface. Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and turn to coat. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Step 5: In a large pot or roasting pan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda—it will bubble vigorously, so add slowly to avoid overflow.
6. Step 6: Turn the dough out and divide it into 8 equal pieces (about 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 ounces each). Roll each piece into a 22-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces to form pretzel bites.
7. Step 7: Boil the pretzel bites in batches (around 15 at a time) for about 30 seconds each. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, leaving space between bites.
8. Step 8: Brush the pretzel bites with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let rest 5 minutes before serving with cheese sauce.
10. Step 10: To make the cheese sauce, melt ½ tablespoon unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in ½ tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
11. Step 11: Slowly whisk in ½ cup milk and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in grated Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm water for activating the yeast but avoid water that’s too hot, which can kill the yeast.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle pretzel bites with garlic powder or your favorite herbs before baking.
• If you prefer a spicier cheese sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore softness. Cheese sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pretzel bites without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Combine ingredients in a large bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why do pretzel bites need to be boiled in baking soda water?

Boiling the dough in baking soda water gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and deep brown color when baked. It also creates the signature pretzel flavor and texture.