Warm, soft pretzel bites fresh from the oven are always a crowd-pleaser. Paired with a simple homemade cheese sauce, this recipe feels cozy, fun, and perfect for sharing. They’re great for game day, movie night, or anytime you want a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse salt, for topping
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms, about 5 minutes. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into 6 pieces, roll into ropes, and cut into 1-inch bites.
- Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds, then transfer to baking sheets.
- Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, then add cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth.
Tip
Serve the cheese sauce warm, and reheat gently with a splash of milk if it thickens.
These pretzel bites disappear fast, so you might want to make a double batch for sharing.
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Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Soft, oven-baked pretzel bites served warm with a creamy homemade cheese sauce.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
Coarse salt, for topping
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix and knead until a soft dough forms, about 5 minutes. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Divide dough into 6 pieces, roll into ropes, and cut into 1-inch bites.
5. Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds, then transfer to baking sheets.
6. Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden.
7. For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, then add cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth.
Notes
Serve cheese sauce warm. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American