There’s something magical about Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce. These warm, chewy, golden-brown bites pair perfectly with a creamy, tangy cheese sauce, making them the ultimate snack for parties, game days, or cozy evenings at home. Not only are they fun to eat, but they’re also enjoyable to make, offering a hands-on experience that the whole family can join in on.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible treat step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy pretzel bites with a golden crust.
- Cheesy Goodness: The cheddar cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and the ultimate dip.
- Customizable: Add sweet or savory toppings to suit your taste.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or family movie nights.
Ingredients for Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
For the Soft Pretzel Bites
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Warm water | 1 ½ cups |
| Light brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 3 oz |
| Kosher salt | 2 ½ tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 4 ½ to 5 cups |
| Vegetable oil | For greasing the bowl |
| Water (for boiling) | 3 quarts |
| Baking soda | ⅓ cup |
| Egg (beaten with water) | 1 egg + 1 tbsp cold water |
| Coarse sea salt | For sprinkling |
For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | ½ tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | ½ tbsp |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Cheddar cheese (grated) | 8 oz |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and light brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle active dry yeast over the water mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter and kosher salt to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
- Gradually mix in 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. If the dough feels sticky, add more flour as needed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape and Boil the Pretzel Bites
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly add baking soda, being careful as it may foam.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 12-14 inch rope and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the Pretzel Bites
- Brush the tops of the boiled pretzel bites with the beaten egg wash.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
4. Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until smooth. Add a little extra milk if the sauce is too thick.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the warm pretzel bites with the cheddar cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with extra sea salt, cheese, or herbs for added flair.
Tips for the Best Pretzel Bites
- Use Warm Water: Water that’s about 110°F (43°C) will activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step gives the pretzels their classic chewy texture and golden crust.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Add cinnamon sugar, garlic powder, or shredded cheese for fun variations.
- Make Extra Sauce: The cheese sauce is so good, you’ll want it for other snacks too.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze pretzel bites?
Yes! After boiling, arrange the unbaked bites on a tray and freeze them. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I reheat leftover pretzel bites?
Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to regain their chewy texture and warmth.
3. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store the cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.
4. What are some other dipping sauces I can use?
In addition to the cheddar cheese sauce, try marinara, honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli for variety.
5. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts, skipping the activation step.
6. How do I make gluten-free pretzel bites?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are the perfect blend of chewy, crispy, and cheesy. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family snack, or looking for a hands-on kitchen project, these pretzel bites deliver both flavor and fun.
Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this ultimate homemade snack. Once you try these pretzel bites, they’re bound to become a household favorite!
