Description
These homemade Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are soft, golden, and perfectly salty little snacks ideal for any occasion. Made from scratch with a simple yeast dough, boiled briefly in a baking soda bath for that classic pretzel texture, then baked to a golden finish and served with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce that melts in your mouth. Perfect for game day, parties, or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Bites Dough
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
- 2 ¼ tsp instant rise yeast (¼ oz packet)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ tbsp water
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- 2 ¼ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground mustard powder
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine lukewarm water and instant yeast. Whisk together until the yeast starts to dissolve and activate.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
- Add Flour: Fit the mixer with a dough hook and turn on low speed. Gradually add 3 cups of flour in ½ cup increments until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides. If still sticky, add flour in ¼ cup increments until manageable.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for 2 minutes. Shape into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the dough to relax.
- Prepare Dough Pieces: While the dough rests, bring a large pot of water mixed with baking soda to a boil. Cut dough into 6 equal pieces, roll each into 1-inch ropes, then slice into 1 ½-inch pretzel bites.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Boil each piece of dough in the baking soda water for exactly 20 seconds. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and arrange spaced about an inch apart on the baking sheets.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with ½ tablespoon water to make an egg wash. Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash, then sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Bake the Pretzel Bites: Bake the bites for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and have a firm crust.
- Start Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and cook for a minute.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Increase the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the milk. Continue whisking frequently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become smooth.
- Finish Cheese Sauce: Add grated cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard powder to the thickened sauce. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Ensure the water for yeast is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water is crucial for achieving the distinctive pretzel crust and flavor.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- The cheddar cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
