These warm pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and perfect for snacking! Served alongside a creamy cheddar dip, they make a delightful treat for any gathering.
Honestly, you might want to make extra because they disappear quickly! 😄 I’m always tempted to dunk each bite in the cheesy goodness—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This gives the pretzel bites their rise and fluffy texture. If you’re out of dry yeast, you can use fresh yeast—just double the amount. Check the expiration date to ensure it’s still good!
All-Purpose Flour: The main building block of the dough. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour could work, but it might be denser. For gluten-free versions, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Coarse Sea Salt: This adds flavor and texture to the pretzels. If you don’t have it, kosher salt is a good substitute. Just use a little less since it’s coarser than table salt!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the dip, sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. If you want something milder, you can use mild cheddar or even a cheese blend. Pepper jack adds a nice kick if you like some heat!
How Do I Ensure My Pretzel Bites Are Perfectly Chewy?
The key to achieving that classic pretzel bite texture is the baking soda bath. This step helps create that chewy crust and beautiful brown color. Here’s how to nail it:
- Bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Be careful, as the mixture can bubble up!
- Drop in the pretzel dough balls a few at a time, boiling for about 30 seconds. This short boil is crucial; it helps set the shape and texture.
- After boiling, place them on the baking sheet as quickly as possible to avoid them sticking together.
With these tips, your pretzel bites should come out soft and delicious with a golden-brown finish every time!
How to Make Pretzel Bites With Cheddar Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
For the Cheddar Dip:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk), warmed
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes—about 15 minutes for prep and about 1 hour for the dough to rise. You’ll spend a few more minutes boiling and baking the pretzel bites, plus a little extra time to whip up the cheesy dip. A delicious snack is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy on top. This means the yeast is working! Then, add in the flour and salt. Stir well until it’s all mixed and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and smooth and elastic.
2. Let It Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size. It’s like giving your dough a warm, cozy blanket to help it grow!
3. Preheat and Prepare for Boiling:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the pretzel bites don’t stick while baking.
4. Boil with Baking Soda:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and mix in the baking soda carefully. This step is important for that classic pretzel flavor! Punch down your risen dough, then divide it into small pieces (about 1 inch each). Roll these into smooth little balls.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Now it’s time to drop those dough balls into the boiling water, a few at a time! Boil them for about 30 seconds, then carefully take them out with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets. This step gives your pretzels that chewy texture.
6. Egg Wash and Bake:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish, then sprinkle them with coarse sea salt and a bit of chopped chives if you like! Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
7. Make the Cheddar Dip:
While the pretzel bites are baking, let’s whip up the cheddar dip! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook this mixture for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add in your warmed milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Mix in the Cheese:
Take it off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s melted and creamy. This cheesy goodness will be the perfect dip for your pretzel bites!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the cheddar dip into a serving bowl and garnish with some chopped chives if desired. Serve those warm pretzel bites alongside the cheesy dip and enjoy every delightful bite!
These pretzel bites are not only fun to make but also soft on the inside with a golden, crispy outside, and they pair perfectly with the rich, creamy cheddar dip. Perfect for parties or a cozy snack night!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free pretzel bites, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check that your baking soda is also gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
If you don’t have sharp cheddar, you can use mild cheddar or even a cheese blend such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick! Just be aware that the flavor might be milder than with sharp cheddar.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore some of their crispiness. You can also warm them in the microwave, but they might lose their crunch.
Can I Freeze the Pretzel Bites?
Yes! Once fully cooled, you can freeze the pretzel bites in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.