Few things spark instant joy like a tray of warm, golden Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce. These little bites have the perfect balance of chewy exterior and soft, pillowy center, all sprinkled with a touch of sea salt and paired with a luscious, creamy cheddar sauce. Whether you’re planning a game day gathering, a cozy movie night, or just craving a homemade snack, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce comes from a handful of humble ingredients, each playing an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the basics of flour and yeast for pillowy bites, to sharp cheddar that brings the dip to life, every item here matters. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F): This is the perfect temperature to help the yeast bloom and start the dough off right.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The secret to airy, soft pretzel bites—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a hint of sweetness to the dough.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for chewy, tender pretzel bites.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavor and enhances the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dough and adds a subtle, buttery finish.
- ⅔ cup baking soda: This is what gives the pretzels their signature deep color and chewy crust during boiling.
- 10 cups water: For boiling the pretzel bites—don’t skimp, as the volume is important for the baking soda bath.
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): This gives those bites their irresistible glossy sheen.
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling: Classic pretzel flavor and a bit of crunchy texture.
- For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce: You’ll need 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole milk, 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional for a subtle tang).
How to Make Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit for about five minutes until the mixture is foamy on top—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Don’t rush this step; a good yeast bloom is the foundation of fluffy, chewy pretzel bites.
Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to your yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface. Knead for about five minutes, working the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten, giving the pretzel bites their signature chewy texture. Once smooth, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prep and Shape the Pretzel Bites
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 to 15 inches long, then cut into 1-inch bites. This step is both fun and therapeutic—perfect for getting little helpers involved!
Step 4: Boil in Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Work in batches, dropping your pretzel bites into the bath for 30 seconds each. This is what gives Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce that iconic chewy crust and deep golden color. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on your prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Salt
Brush each bite generously with the egg wash (egg beaten with water), then give a hearty sprinkle of coarse sea salt. The egg wash ensures that gorgeous, glossy finish, while the salt brings that classic pretzel flavor to life.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until your pretzel bites are a deep, rich golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible! For extra softness, brush the bites with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Step 7: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
While the pretzel bites bake, start your cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking for one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and ground mustard (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce is what takes Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce to the next level—rich, tangy, and perfect for dunking.
How to Serve Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way. Freshly chopped chives or parsley sprinkled over the cheese sauce adds color and a pop of freshness. For extra flavor, a dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne can give your cheese dip a gentle kick. And don’t forget an extra sprinkle of coarse sea salt on the pretzel bites right before serving for that bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or even an assortment of fresh-cut veggies for a lighter contrast. For parties, try serving them alongside spicy mustard, sliced apples, or a platter of cured meats to turn your appetizer spread into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your snack into a centerpiece! Serve your pretzel bites in a big bread bowl with the cheese sauce in the middle for easy sharing. For parties or game nights, offer individual cups of cheese sauce for personalized dipping. Or, go all out and assemble a “pretzel bite board” with other small bites, mustards, and pickles for an impressive, interactive snack station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce (although it’s rare!), you can store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cheese sauce should be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing
Pretzel bites freeze beautifully! Simply arrange the baked, cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. The cheese sauce can also be frozen, though it may need a good stir and a splash of milk when reheated to restore its creamy texture.
Reheating
To bring your Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce back to life, warm the pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. For the cheese sauce, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk and whisking until smooth and pourable again.
FAQs
Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise a bit before shaping and baking for best results.
What’s the secret to chewy pretzel bites?
The baking soda bath is essential. Boiling the bites before baking creates that signature chewy crust and deep brown color you love in Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce.
Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites for a unique twist on the traditional cheese sauce.
How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?
Whisk constantly while adding milk to the roux, and stir in cheese over low heat. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of milk and whisk until it returns to a silky consistency.
Are Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce vegetarian?
Yes! As written, this recipe is completely vegetarian. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can swap in plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a vegan cheese alternative for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Bring some bakery-style fun to your kitchen and treat your friends and family to a batch of homemade Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a comforting snack, these bites are sure to be a hit. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite appetizer!
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Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are a perfect homemade snack for any party or casual gathering. Soft, golden pretzel bites are boiled in baking soda water for that classic chewy crust and topped with coarse sea salt. Served warm with a rich and creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce enhanced with garlic and mustard powder, this recipe offers irresistible flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy and the yeast is activated.
- Make the dough: Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
- Shape pretzel bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12–15 inch long rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces to form pretzel bites.
- Bake preparation: Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds each. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown.
- Make the cheddar cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and ground mustard until the sauce is smooth and the cheese melted.
- Serve: Serve the warm pretzel bites with the cheddar cheese sauce for dipping. Optionally, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter for extra softness and shine.
Notes
- For extra-soft pretzels, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
- The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight.
- The cheddar cheese sauce thickens as it cools; reheat with a splash of milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6–8 pretzel bites with 2 tablespoons cheese sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
