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Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 48 servings (pretzel bites)

Description

Soft Pretzel Bites with a creamy homemade Cheese Sauce combine the classic chewy, golden-baked pretzel flavor with a rich, cheesy dip. These bite-sized pretzels are boiled briefly in a baking soda bath for that signature crust, then baked until golden and topped with coarse salt. Served warm with a velvety cheese sauce made from cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, flavored with shallots, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard, this recipe is perfect for parties, snacks, or comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Pretzel Bites

  • 300 grams flour (2 ½ cups)
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1 ½ tsp light brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp yeast
  • 200 grams warm water (1 cup)
  • 1 egg, whisked for egg wash
  • 2 tbsp coarse salt (for sprinkling)
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water (for baking soda bath)

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp shallots, minced
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 113 grams cream cheese
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Whisk the yeast with 1 cup of warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer, and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough: Add salt and brown sugar to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time while mixing with the dough hook attachment on low speed.
  3. Knead Dough: Knead the dough with the dough hook for 3-4 minutes until smooth. If the dough remains sticky, incorporate up to ¼ cup additional flour. Shape the dough into a ball.
  4. First Rise: Grease the stand mixer bowl, return the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water mixed with ¼ cup baking soda to a rolling boil.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  7. Shape Pretzel Bites: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope, then cut each rope into approximately 8 bite-sized pieces.
  8. Boil Pretzel Bites: Drop 5-7 pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda bath for 10 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them so they don’t touch.
  9. Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the whisked egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  10. Bake Pretzel Bites: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pretzel bites turn golden brown and develop a chewy crust.
  11. Make Cheese Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add minced shallots and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  12. Add Seasonings and Heat Liquids: Pour in ¾ cup water, add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring.
  13. Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese in two portions, whisking constantly until smooth and fully incorporated.
  14. Melt Cheeses: Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce while whisking until melted and creamy.
  15. Serve: Serve the warm pretzel bites alongside the cheese sauce dip immediately for the best experience.

Notes

  • The baking soda bath is critical for the pretzels’ signature chewy crust and deep golden color.
  • Use warm water 100-110°F (38-43°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Ensure pretzel bites do not touch on the baking tray to prevent sticking and uneven baking.
  • The cheese sauce can be kept warm on very low heat and stirred occasionally to prevent separation.
  • For a crisper exterior, allow baked pretzel bites to cool on a wire rack briefly after baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/soft-pretzel-bites-with-cheddar-cheese-sauce-recipe/