Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of warm, soft pretzel bites paired with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This recipe has become a favorite in our household, especially during movie nights or gatherings with friends. The pretzel bites are easy to make, and the cheese sauce is so rich and flavorful that it’s hard to resist going back for more. My family absolutely loves these bites, and they disappear in no time!

Ingredients

Pretzel Bites:

• 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 flour
• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 egg (beaten)
• ½ tbsp water
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Cheese Sauce:

• 2 ¼ cups whole milk
• ¼ cup salted butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp ground mustard powder

Instructions

Pretzel Bites:

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add lukewarm water and instant yeast. Whisk together until combined.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Mix the Dough: Fit the dough hook onto the mixer and turn on low speed. Gradually add 3 cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, until the mixture is combined and pulling away from the sides.

• Pro Tip: If the dough is still sticky, add additional flour, ¼ cup at a time, until it’s no longer sticky and bounces back when poked.

1. Knead the Dough: Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 2 minutes, then shape into a ball. Place it in a large mixing bowl coated lightly with cooking spray. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Boiling Solution: While the dough is resting, bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil.
3. Cut and Shape the Dough: Cut the dough into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into 1-inch long ropes and cut each rope into 1 ½ inch bites.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Add each piece of cut dough into the boiling water (working in batches) and let cook for 20 seconds. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and place the pretzel bites on the baking sheets, spaced about an inch apart.
6. Prepare for Baking: In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg and water. Brush the egg wash over each pretzel bite and sprinkle with coarse salt.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
2. Make the Roux: Once the butter is melted, add flour and whisk together until no lumps remain.
3. Add Milk: Turn the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking often for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the cheese, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite with cheese sauce
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the pretzel bites warm, accompanied by a bowl of cheesy sauce.
• Use toothpicks for easy serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Pair with a side of mustard or additional dipping sauces.

Additional Tips

1. Keep It Warm: If not serving immediately, keep the pretzel bites warm in a low oven.
2. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to try different cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
3. Make It a Meal: Add some cooked bacon or jalapeños into the cheese sauce for added flavor.
4. Perfect the Dough: Ensure your water is lukewarm, not hot, to keep the yeast active.
5. Try Other Dips: Consider pairing with honey mustard or ranch dressing for variety.

Recipe Variations

• Herbed Pretzel Bites: Add dried herbs like oregano or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
• Sweet Pretzel Bites: Replace coarse salt with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet treat.
• Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Stuff each bite with cheese before rolling up for an extra cheesy surprise.

Serving Suggestions

• These pretzel bites make a fantastic appetizer for parties or game day.
• Serve them alongside burgers for a fun twist on your typical meal.
• Ideal for kids’ gatherings or school lunches as a fun snack option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked pretzel bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftover baked pretzel bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

• Yes, all-purpose flour works well, but the texture may be slightly different.

1. What if my dough is too sticky?

• Gradually add more flour until the dough is manageable.

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.

1. How can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?

• Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

1. Is it necessary to boil the pretzel bites?

• Yes, boiling gives them that signature chewy texture.

1. How long do these last in the fridge?

• They are best eaten fresh but can last 2-3 days in the fridge.

1. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

• Yes, reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.

1. What can I serve these with besides cheese sauce?

• Mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli are great alternatives.

1. Can I double the recipe?

• Yes, simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions.

1. How do I reheat the pretzel bites?

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm for the best texture.

Conclusion

These Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that brings everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family movie night, or just looking for a fun snack, these bites are sure to impress. With their warm, soft texture and rich cheese sauce, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. Give them a try and watch as they disappear in no time!

Print