Homemade Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe – Snack Joy!

Crispy, golden pretzel bites dance with sharp cheddar cheese sauce in this irresistible snack that’ll make your taste buds sing.

These little morsels pack a serious punch of flavor and texture.

Salt lovers will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes.

The combination of soft, warm pretzels and creamy cheese creates a magical moment of pure deliciousness.

You can whip up this recipe faster than ordering takeout, and the results are ten times more satisfying.

Simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with just a few easy steps.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with these addictive little bites that vanish in seconds.

Why Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Are Addictive

• Master this beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps that guarantee delicious results, even for novice home cooks who want to impress their guests.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties or add seasonings to the pretzel bites, making it versatile for various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Enjoy the warm, soft pretzel bites paired with creamy, rich cheddar cheese sauce that brings instant comfort and satisfies serious snack cravings.

What You’ll Need for Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps bind ingredients together, use filtered water for best results.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with browning, white granulated sugar works best.
• Active Dry Yeast: Critical for dough rising, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• All-Purpose Flour: Main structure of pretzel, high-protein flour recommended.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity, kosher salt preferred.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and soft texture, unsalted butter works best.

• Water: Creates traditional pretzel texture through boiling process.
• Baking Soda: Helps create signature pretzel brown color and crisp exterior.
• Egg: Provides golden shine and helps seasonings stick.
• Coarse Salt: Adds classic pretzel flavor, sea salt or pretzel salt recommended.

• Butter: Creates smooth base for sauce, unsalted butter preferred.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens sauce, helps create stable texture.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid base, whole milk recommended.
• Cheddar Cheese: Primary flavor of sauce, sharp cheddar gives best taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor, use fresh for maximum taste.
• Mustard Powder: Enhances cheese flavor, adds subtle tang.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and seasons cheese sauce.

How to Cook Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• Warm water
• Sugar
• Yeast

Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy bubbles form.

Step 2: Create Dough Magic

• Flour
• Salt
• Melted butter

Add ingredients to the yeast mixture. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for one hour until doubled.

Step 3: Shape Bite-Sized Delights

Preheat oven to 425F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a long rope. Slice ropes into 1-inch chunks.

Step 4: Give Pretzels a Bath

Boil a large pot of water with baking soda. Drop pretzel bites in batches. Boil for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheets.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

• Beaten egg
• Coarse salt

Brush pretzel bites with egg. Sprinkle generously with salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in remaining ingredients until smooth and silky.

Step 7: Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve warm pretzel bites alongside the hot, gooey cheese sauce. Dip and enjoy!

Flavor Tips for Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce

• Master Kneading Technique: Work the dough gently but firmly to develop gluten, creating a perfect chewy texture without overworking the mixture.
• Enhance Boiling Process: Add baking soda to water for authentic pretzel flavor and achieve that signature golden-brown, glossy exterior that makes pretzels irresistible.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot to help it rise consistently, ensuring uniform size and soft, pillowy texture for each bite.
• Customize Cheese Sauce: Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or smoky gouda to personalize the dipping sauce and elevate flavor complexity.
• Prevent Sticking Tricks: Dust work surface with flour and use parchment paper to ensure pretzel bites don't stick and maintain perfect shape during baking.

How to Store Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce

• Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual pretzel bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2 months. Avoid freezing the cheese sauce.
• Warm pretzel bites at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Quickly reheat bites for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious as they can become tough. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

What Goes Best With Pretzel Bites and Cheese Sauce

• Grab a hoppy India Pale Ale or amber ale to complement the salty pretzel bites and cut through the rich cheese sauce.
• Add cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni alongside the pretzel bites to enhance the savory flavor profile and provide textural contrast.
• Prepare whole grain mustard, honey mustard, or spicy brown mustard as alternative dipping options that brighten the cheesy, warm pretzel experience.
• Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, rich pretzel bites and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the cheesy dish.

Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Twists You’ll Want to Make

• Gluten-Free Pretzel Bites: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum to help with texture and binding. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-safe option.
• Whole Wheat Healthier Version: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor. Add a sprinkle of flaxseed meal for extra nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Substitute cheddar cheese sauce with cashew-based cheese sauce made from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk. Use vegan butter for melting and seasoning.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bites: Replace traditional dough with riced cauliflower mixed with almond flour and eggs. Shape into bite-sized pieces and follow similar boiling and baking techniques for a lighter, protein-rich option.

Pretzel Bites With Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crunchy, golden pretzel bites dance with creamy cheddar cheese sauce, creating a snack that whispers comfort and indulgence. Warm, salty pretzels paired with rich, melted cheese invite friends to gather and savor each irresistible morsel.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ⅔ cup (160g) baking soda
• 10 cups (2.4L) water (for boiling)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast mixture by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the blend to rest for 5 minutes until a frothy texture develops.
2. Incorporate flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Blend until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough onto a flour-dusted surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic consistency.
4. Nestle the dough into a lightly greased bowl, drape with a protective cover, and permit rising for approximately one hour or until the volume doubles.
5. Warm the oven to 425F (220C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Deflate the risen dough and segment into four uniform portions.
7. Elongate each segment into a 12-inch cylindrical rope, then dissect each rope into 1-inch morsels.
8. Prepare a boiling liquid by combining water and baking soda in a generously sized pot.
9. Submerge pretzel bites in batches, poaching for 20-30 seconds. Extract with a perforated utensil and arrange on prepared baking sheets.
10. Lavish each morsel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until achieving a rich golden hue.
12. Craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over moderate heat. Whisk in flour and cook briefly.
13. Gradually introduce milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
14. Fold in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
15. Present the warm pretzel bites alongside the molten cheddar cheese sauce for an indulgent dipping experience.

Notes

• Allow the yeast to activate fully by using warm water between 100-110°F, ensuring a perfect rise and soft texture.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which creates a chewy and stretchy pretzel bite with ideal consistency.
• Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water gives them that classic dark golden brown color and signature soft pretzel taste.
• Use room temperature cheddar cheese for smoother melting and a more even cheese sauce texture without lumps.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg