Name: Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups lukewarm water; 2 ¼ tsp instant rise yeast (¼ oz packet); 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp salt; 4 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup baking soda (for boiling water); 1 egg, beaten; ½ tbsp water (for egg wash); Coarse salt, for sprinkling; 2 ¼ cups whole milk; ¼ cup salted butter; ¼ cup flour; 2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp ground mustard powder

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Who doesn’t love the aroma of fresh, soft pretzels baking in the oven? These homemade pretzel bites are a delightful appetizer that pairs perfectly with a smooth, tangy cheddar dipping sauce. They’re light, fluffy, and salted just right—anything but boring! Whether you’re prepping for game night, a cozy family gathering, or just a snack craving, this recipe will bring smiles and warm hearts. Let’s dive in and make these golden bites of deliciousness.

Ingredients

Pretzel Bites

1 ½ cups lukewarm water
2 ¼ tsp instant rise yeast (1 packet, about ¼ oz)
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup baking soda (for boiling water)
1 egg, beaten
½ tbsp water (for egg wash)
Coarse salt for sprinkling

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

2 ¼ cups whole milk
¼ cup salted butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp ground mustard powder

How to Make Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce

Pretzel Bites

Activate Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and yeast. Whisk until the yeast dissolves.
Mix Dough
Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture and whisk together. Fit the mixer with a dough hook and gradually add 3 cups of flour, about ½ cup at a time. Mix on low speed until dough pulls away from the sides.
- Pro Tip: If the dough is still sticky, add flour in ¼-cup increments until it’s no longer sticky and bounces back when gently poked.
Knead and Rest
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 2 minutes. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased mixing bowl, covering with a cloth to let it rest for 10 minutes.
Prep Dough for Bites
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water with baking soda to a boil. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, about 1 inch thick, and cut into 1½-inch bites.
Boil and Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Working in batches, add the dough bites to the boiling water and cook for 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water for the wash. Brush each pretzel bite and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Create the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk until smooth, eliminating any lumps.
Add Milk and Thicken
Slowly whisk in the milk, turning up to medium heat. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
Incorporate Cheese and Season
Add the grated cheddar, salt, pepper, and ground mustard powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm alongside the pretzel bites.

Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: When boiling the pretzel bites, stick to 20 seconds. Any longer, and the pretzels can absorb too much water, resulting in a dense texture.
Cheese Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
Egg Wash Substitution: Out of eggs? Brush your pretzels with a bit of melted butter instead to achieve that beautiful golden crust.

Substitutions and Variations

Pretzel Seasoning Options: Want more flavor? Try sprinkling garlic salt, Parmesan cheese, or even cinnamon sugar over your pretzels before baking.
Cheddar Sauce Add-ins: For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
Vegan Version: Substitute dairy butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Omit the egg wash or use melted coconut oil for a nice shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?

The baking soda bath is essential for that classic pretzel taste and texture. Boiling in baking soda water helps develop the crust and gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! Prepare the dough, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?

Add the cheese slowly, whisking continuously, and avoid overheating. Cheese can clump if it’s added too quickly or cooked at too high a temperature.

Storage Instructions

Pretzel Bites

Store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

Cheese Sauce

Refrigerate any leftover cheese sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if necessary to thin the sauce.

With these soft pretzel bites and creamy cheddar sauce, your appetizer game just leveled up. Enjoy the crispy crust, fluffy interior, and warm cheese dipping bliss!