Are you ready to elevate your snack game to a whole new level? These irresistible Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce are not just a treat; they are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds! With their golden-brown, soft pretzel exterior and a rich, creamy cheddar dip, these bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, game days, or simply indulging at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds dancing with joy!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pretzel dough
- Coarse sea salt
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, prepare the pretzel dough by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix well.
- Add 3/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a small rope, then twist it into a pretzel shape or simply leave them as small balls for pretzel bites.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water. This will create the traditional pretzel crust.
- Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water, cooking them in batches for about 30 seconds each. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the pretzel bites with coarse sea salt while they are still wet from the boiling water.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- While the pretzel bites are baking, prepare the cheddar sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pretzel bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the warm pretzel bites with the cheddar cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade pretzel bites!
Tips
- Perfect Dough Consistency: When kneading the dough, it should be smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Boiling Process: Don’t skip the boiling step! This is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel crust. Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the pretzel bites.
- Topping Choices: While coarse sea salt is traditional, feel free to get creative! Try sprinkling some garlic powder, onion powder, or even everything bagel seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Cheddar Sauce Variations: For a twist on the cheddar sauce, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat or a splash of hot sauce for a kick. You can also mix in other types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them warm alongside the cheddar sauce for dipping to enhance the experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 437kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 40mg
