These pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing! Made with simple ingredients, they pair wonderfully with a creamy cheddar dip that you won’t be able to resist.
Honestly, who can say no to warm, cheesy goodness? I love serving these at parties—they disappear so fast, it’s like magic! Plus, making them is super fun! 🥨🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient creates the fluffy texture. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without needing to activate it in warm water.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the right balance for chewy pretzel bites. Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, but be aware that it changes the texture a bit.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the dip, I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can use medium or mild cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses if you want a different taste.
Baking Soda: It’s essential for that signature pretzel flavor and color. Don’t skip it! If you’re in a pinch, you could use baking powder but it won’t offer the same results.
How Do I Get My Pretzel Bites to Rise Properly?
Getting the dough to rise properly is key to fluffy pretzels. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Activate the yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Wait until it’s frothy, which shows the yeast is active.
- Keep it warm: Place the dough in a warm area to rise. If your kitchen is cool, the oven (turned off) with the light on can be a good spot.
- Cover the bowl: Use a towel or plastic wrap to keep the dough warm and prevent it from drying out.
Give it enough time to rise—about an hour is ideal! If it hasn’t doubled, give it a bit more time.
Pretzel Bites With Cheddar Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Cheddar Dip:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes total. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes for cooking, plus the dough will need to rise for 1 hour. The result is a delightful batch of pretzel bites ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy. This lets you know the yeast is active.
2. Mix and Knead:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Then, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can also use that for about 5 minutes.
3. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size.
4. Preheat and Prepare:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
5. Boil the Baking Soda Solution:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This step is crucial for giving pretzels their unique taste and texture.
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes, then cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to shape your pretzel bites.
7. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting the excess water drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Brush and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt to add flavor.
9. Bake:
Place the pretzel bites in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
10. Make the Cheddar Dip:
While the pretzels are baking, prepare the cheddar dip. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
11. Add Milk and Cheese:
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Lower the heat, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve:
Once the pretzel bites are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve them warm alongside the creamy cheddar dip.
Enjoy these soft, golden pretzel bites dipped into the rich, flavorful cheddar sauce—a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum to help with the texture of the pretzel bites.
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in an oiled bowl, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before shaping the pretzel bites.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Use Other Cheeses for the Dip?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a cheese blend. Just make sure it melts well for a smooth and creamy dip!
