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Crispy Pretzel Bites Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Creamy Cheese Sauce

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Golden, salty pretzel bites with a crispy exterior and soft, chewy inside served with a smooth, creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for snacks, potlucks, or game day munching.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt, plus extra for sprinkling
  • ½ cup (120 g) baking soda
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200 g)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a gentle boil.
  6. Shape pretzel bites: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope about ½ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Baking soda bath: Boil about 10 pieces at a time in the baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
  8. Brush each pretzel bite with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown and crispy.
  10. Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
  11. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  12. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  13. Serve pretzel bites warm with creamy cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use King Arthur flour for best dough texture. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy-free cheese sauce, substitute vegan cheese and almond milk. Do not skip the baking soda bath for authentic pretzel crust. Cheese sauce thickens as it cools; keep warm or gently reheat with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, crispy pretzels, cheese sauce, homemade snack, easy pretzel recipe, party snack, comfort food

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/crispy-pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-with-creamy-cheese-sauce/