Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are a delicious and fun snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or simply for satisfying your salty cravings. Soft, chewy pretzel bites paired with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce make for an irresistible combination. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the flavor of homemade pretzels right from your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Bites
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pretzel Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to combine and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Pretzel Bites
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cut each rope into 1 1/2-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
Step 3: Boil the Pretzel Bites
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
- Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water, a few at a time, and let them boil for 20-30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake the Pretzel Bites
- Brush the boiled pretzel bites with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is lightly golden and smells nutty.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the warm pretzel bites with the cheddar cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm (about 110°F) but not too hot, as hot water can kill the yeast.
- Baking Soda Bath: Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water is key to achieving that classic pretzel flavor and chewy texture.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Variations
- Spicy Cheese Sauce: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Pretzel Bites: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, such as oregano or rosemary, to the pretzel dough for extra flavor.
- Garlic Butter Pretzel Bites: Brush the baked pretzel bites with melted garlic butter instead of egg wash for a garlic-flavored twist.
- Sweet Pretzel Bites: Sprinkle the pretzel bites with cinnamon sugar instead of salt for a sweet version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make the Pretzel Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I Freeze Pretzel Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pretzel bites. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
4. How Do I Prevent the Cheese Sauce from Becoming Grainy?
Make sure to gradually add the cheese off the heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Avoid overheating, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer Platter: Serve pretzel bites on a platter with other dips like honey mustard or marinara sauce for a party appetizer.
- Game Day Snack: These pretzel bites are perfect for game day, especially when paired with beer or other favorite beverages.
- Movie Night: Enjoy pretzel bites as a fun movie night snack with a variety of dipping sauces.
Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are a fun and delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and rich, creamy cheese sauce, these pretzel bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfying combination of salty pretzels and cheesy goodness!
