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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Blend until a cohesive dough emerges.
- Transfer the dough onto a flour-dusted surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic consistency.
- 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.
- Warm the oven to 425F (220C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Deflate the risen dough and segment into four uniform portions.
- Elongate each segment into a 12-inch cylindrical rope, then dissect each rope into 1-inch morsels.
- Prepare a boiling liquid by combining water and baking soda in a generously sized pot.
- Submerge pretzel bites in batches, poaching for 20-30 seconds. Extract with a perforated utensil and arrange on prepared baking sheets.
- Lavish each morsel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until achieving a rich golden hue.
- Craft the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over moderate heat. Whisk in flour and cook briefly.
- Gradually introduce milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Fold in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- 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