These warm pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing! Dipped in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, they make for a tasty snack that everyone will love.
Just imagine fresh pretzel bites right out of the oven! I can’t resist them, especially when dunked in that gooey cheese. It’s like a party for your taste buds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is needed for the dough to rise. If you don’t have it, you can use instant yeast instead at the same amount. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the recipe. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend generally works well as a substitution, but results may vary slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds flavor and richness. If you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based butter, but make sure it can be melted.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the dip a great flavor. Feel free to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend, but keep in mind the taste will change!
Baking Soda Bath: This is what gives the pretzels that signature crust and flavor. Don’t skip this step! You could also try using baking powder instead, but it won’t give the same results.
How Do I Get My Pretzel Bites Soft and Chewy?
The secret to soft and chewy pretzel bites is in how you prepare the dough and boil them! Here’s how to do it:
- When mixing your ingredients, ensure the water is warm, not hot. Temperatures above 130°F can kill the yeast, making your dough flat.
- After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm area. This allows the yeast to work its magic. A cozy kitchen corner or an oven with just the light on works great!
- During the baking soda bath, keep a close watch on your pretzels. Boiling them for 30 seconds is key to developing the chewy exterior!
- Be sure to space them out on the baking sheet. This avoids sticking and allows for even baking.
- Lastly, keep an eye on them in the oven. Once they turn a golden brown, take them out to keep that soft texture!
Making pretzel bites at home can be so much fun, especially with the cheesy dip! Enjoy sharing them with friends or family!
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)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: finely chopped chives for garnish
For The Cheddar Dip:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Finely chopped chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise and 12-15 minutes for baking. Altogether, you should plan for around 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy your delicious pretzel bites with cheddar dip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and leave it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This foamy texture means the yeast is active!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything well until the dough starts to form, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading is essential for a chewy texture.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Put the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it’s doubled in size. A warm kitchen is the best place for this!
4. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Be careful, as this will bubble up!
5. Shape Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a long rope about 1-inch thick and cut it into 1-inch pieces. These will be your pretzel bites!
6. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Carefully add the pretzel bites to the boiling baking soda water in batches. Boil for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step gives them that classic pretzel flavor!
7. Sprinkle with Salt:
Generously sprinkle coarse sea salt over the boiled pretzel bites. This adds flavor and enhances their appearance!
8. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
9. Make the Cheddar Dip:
While the pretzel bites are baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the cheese dip.
10. Add Milk & Cheese:
Slowly whisk in the milk or cream and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove it from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
11. Serve:
Transfer the warm pretzel bites to a serving plate. If you’d like, sprinkle them with chopped chives for a pop of color. Serve the pretzel bites warm with the creamy cheddar dip on the side!
Enjoy your delicious homemade soft pretzel bites with creamy cheddar dip!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought pizza or bread dough. Just proceed with the boiling and baking steps as outlined in the recipe.
How Do I Make These Pretzel Bites Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free pretzel bites, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Pretzel Bites?
Yes, you can! Once baked and cooled, store the pretzel bites in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Other Dips Can I Serve With Pretzel Bites?
While cheddar dip is fantastic, you can also try serving them with mustard, beer cheese dip, or a spicy queso for a fun twist!
