Do you love snacks that are easy to make and delicious to eat? These Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce are perfect for any occasion! They are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and best of all, they pair perfectly with a warm cheese sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just want something tasty to munch on, these bites will be a hit!
Why Make This Recipe
Making pretzel bites at home is a fun and rewarding experience. You can enjoy fresh, warm pretzels right out of your oven. Plus, they are great for sharing with family and friends. When I made these for my family, they couldn’t stop eating them! It’s an easy recipe that brings everyone together, especially on weekends.
How to Make Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for greasing
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets frothy.
- Add the flour and melted butter to the bowl. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
- Grease a bowl with some vegetable oil and place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil them.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
- Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and cut it into 1-inch bites.
- Boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the baking sheets.
- Brush the tops with the egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake in the oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving with cheese sauce.
How to Serve Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
These pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with a side of melted cheese sauce for dipping. You can also add mustard or a spicy dip for extra flavor. They make a great snack for movie nights, parties, or even an after-school treat!
How to Store Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
If you have any leftovers, store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Tips to Make Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough well to get that nice chewy texture!
- For an extra touch, try adding some herbs or cheese to the dough for added flavor.
Variation
You can change it up by adding toppings! Try sprinkling garlic powder, onion flakes, or even shredded cheese on top before baking. For a sweet twist, you can sprinkle cinnamon sugar instead of salt.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.
2. How long can I keep these pretzel bites?
They are best eaten the day they are made but can be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! Just mix it directly with the flour without needing to proof it with water.