Homemade Pretzel Bites

Craving a warm, soft snack that’s perfect for dipping? Homemade Pretzel Bites are your solution!

These delightful mini pretzels are golden brown on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and paired with a creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients List

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients for both the pretzel bites and the cheese sauce. Having everything ready will make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable.

Pretzel Dough Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons fast-acting yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Having these ingredients ready will set you up for a successful batch of homemade pretzel bites with cheese sauce.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make sure everything comes together smoothly, here’s a list of essential kitchen tools:

1. Stand Mixer or Mixing Bowl: Whether you use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand, you need a good bowl to combine your ingredients. A stand mixer saves time and effort, but it’s also easy to knead by hand if needed.
2. Slotted Spoon: This tool is key when boiling the pretzel bites. It helps you lift them out of the hot water without losing their shape.
3. Baking Sheets: Line your sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to ensure the pretzel bites don’t stick while baking.
4. Pastry Brush: You’ll need this to apply the egg wash, which gives the pretzel bites that beautiful golden finish.
5. Medium Saucepan: This is essential for making the cheese sauce. It should be big enough to hold the milk and cheese comfortably.

With these tools, you’re ready to make perfect pretzel bites!

Dough Preparation

Mixing the Ingredients

Start by activating the yeast. In your stand mixer or a large bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of warm water, the yeast, and the brown sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 1 minute until the yeast begins to foam. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and active.

Next, add in the salt and melted butter. Mix everything until the butter is fully incorporated. Then, gradually add in the flour, 1 cup at a time, on low speed (if you’re using a stand mixer). If you’re mixing by hand, you can gradually stir the flour in using a wooden spoon.

Continue to mix until the dough begins to form. Once the dough is mostly combined, it’s time to start kneading.

Kneading the Dough

If you’re using a stand mixer, let it knead the dough for about 5 minutes at medium speed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If you’re kneading by hand, place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary.

Letting the Dough Rise

Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl lightly coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm area for about 10 minutes. This short rest time helps the dough relax and makes the next steps easier.

Shaping the Pretzel Bites

Cutting and Rolling the Dough

Once your dough has rested, preheat your oven to 425°F and line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats. Cut the dough into 6 sections to make it easier to handle.

Take each section of dough and roll it out into a long rope about 20 inches in length. Once you have your ropes, cut them into 1 1/2-inch bite-sized pieces. These will be the perfect size for dipping and snacking.

Boiling the Pretzel Bites

To achieve the classic pretzel texture, you’ll need to boil the dough before baking. In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. This step is crucial as the baking soda helps give the pretzel bites their signature dark brown crust.

Carefully drop 8-10 pretzel bites into the boiling water at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Boil the pretzel bites for 20 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure they aren’t touching each other, as this allows them to bake evenly.

Applying the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each pretzel bite with the egg wash. This gives them a shiny, golden finish when baked.

Sprinkle sea salt over the top of each pretzel bite before they go into the oven.

Baking the Pretzel Bites

Now, it’s time to bake the pretzel bites. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before serving.

Cheese Sauce Preparation

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until fully combined. Let the mixture cook for about 1 minute, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.

Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving the Pretzel Bites

Now for the fun part—dipping! Serve your warm pretzel bites alongside the homemade cheese sauce. You can either drizzle the sauce over the bites or let everyone dip them individually for a fun, interactive snack experience.

Optional Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways you can elevate the presentation and flavor of your pretzel bites:

• Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or Parmesan cheese over the pretzels before baking for a savory twist.
• Serve with mustard or a honey mustard dip for an extra kick alongside the cheese sauce.
• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Pretzel Bites Fresh

These pretzel bites are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will still be soft and tasty for a while!

Freezing Pretzel Bites

For longer storage, freeze your pretzel bites. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible.

They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new!

Conclusion

Homemade Pretzel Bites with cheese sauce are a must-try treat for any occasion. With their golden, soft exterior and savory dip, they’re the ultimate comfort food.

serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or a party treat, these pretzel bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the option to freeze them, you can enjoy these delightful bites anytime you want!