Name: Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil (for coating dough and baking sheet); 3 quarts water; 1/3 cup baking soda; 1 whole egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water (egg wash); Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling; ½ tablespoon unsalted butter; ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour; ½ cup milk; 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 85 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that’s impossibly soft, wonderfully chewy, and irresistibly cheesy, you’ve got to try this Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe. These little pockets of dough are boiled to perfection, baked until golden, and served with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce that makes them absolutely addictive. Perfect for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in, this recipe combines classic baking techniques with a deliciously melty dip to create a treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular tray filled with many small, golden brown pretzel bites that have a crunchy texture and some salt sprinkled on top. In the middle left side of the tray, there is a small, round dark bowl filled with smooth, creamy yellow cheese sauce. To the bottom right corner of the image, a wooden board holds a pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese next to a small metal grater. The surface under everything is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together beautifully to create the magic in this dish. From the warm water that wakes up the yeast to the tangy cheddar that adds a creamy finish, every item on this list is essential for the perfect taste, texture, and color of your pretzel bites.

1 1/2 cups warm water: Warm but not hot, this helps activate the yeast for a fluffy dough.
2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with yeast fermentation.
1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The secret to that perfect rise and airy texture.
3 ounces unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the dough with a tender crumb and subtle flavor.
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Important for flavor and dough balance.
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure; adding as needed ensures the perfect consistency.
Vegetable oil: For coating the dough and preventing sticking.
3 quarts water: Used for boiling the pretzel bites to create that shiny crust.
1/3 cup baking soda: Key for the alkaline water bath that gives traditional pretzels their signature color and flavor.
1 whole egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water): An egg wash that helps achieve golden, glossy tops.
Coarse sea salt: Classic finishing touch for taste and crunch.
½ tablespoon unsalted butter: Bases the cheddar cheese sauce with richness.
½ tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to a creamy consistency.
½ cup milk: Smoothes and thins the sauce just right.
8 ounces Cheddar cheese (grated): The star of the cheese sauce, bringing bold, melty goodness.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the warm water, light brown sugar, active dry yeast, and melted butter in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture bubbles slightly, signaling that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. This lively yeast mixture ensures your pretzels will be delightfully fluffy.

Step 2: Kneading and Rising

Add the kosher salt and flour to the yeast mixture and begin mixing on low speed, then increase to medium. Knead until the dough looks smooth and just starts pulling away from the bowl’s sides — about 3 to 4 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable but still soft. Transfer the dough to a flat surface, shape it into a ball, then oil a clean bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough inside, turning to coat it well, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 3: Get the Oven and Baking Setup Ready

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Fill a large pot with 3 quarts of water and bring it to a boil. Slowly add the baking soda — but do this carefully since it will bubble up vigorously. This step is crucial for giving your pretzels their traditional bronze crust and subtle tang.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and place it on a clean surface. Cut it into eight equal pieces and roll each into long ropes about 22 inches in length. Slice these ropes into one-inch pieces to form your pretzel bites, which will be perfect little snackable treats.

Step 5: Boil and Bake the Pretzel Bites

Working in batches of about 15 bites, boil them gently in the baking soda water for 30 seconds each. This step creates that all-important chewy texture and shiny surface. Using a slotted spoon, remove them carefully and place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, making sure the bites don’t touch. Brush each with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt before placing the tray in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

While the pretzel bites cool on a rack for about 5 minutes, start the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for a minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and fold in the grated cheddar cheese until the sauce turns silky smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will be your dipping dream come true!

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with many small, golden-brown pretzel bites that have a slightly shiny surface and some coarse salt sprinkled on top, arranged close together covering the entire dish. In the lower left corner, there is a small black round bowl filled with thick, creamy, bright yellow cheese sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on your cheddar cheese sauce for a pop of color and an herbal hint that brightens the richness. A light dusting of smoked paprika atop the pretzel bites adds a subtle warmth and smoky depth for a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with tangy mustard varieties like spicy brown or honey mustard, lending an extra zing to every bite. A crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup can also complement the salty, cheesy goodness while balancing the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your pretzel bites in a large, rustic wooden bowl surrounded by small ramekins of different dipping sauces — think beer cheese, spicy ranch, or even garlic aioli. It’s a party-ready presentation that invites everyone to dig in and customize their snack experience. Alternatively, thread the pretzel bites on skewers for a fun and portable nibble perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cheese sauce should be kept separately in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the pretzel bites before baking by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, boil and bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Cheese sauce can be frozen but may separate slightly; stir well when reheating.

Reheating

For best results, warm the pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their fresh-baked texture. Reheat your cheddar cheese sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and warm.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

What’s the purpose of boiling pretzel bites in baking soda water?

This step creates the ideal chewy crust and contributes to the pretzels’ classic deep golden color. The alkaline bath also helps create that subtle pretzel flavor you love.

Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?

Definitely! While Cheddar gives bold flavor, you can mix in Monterey Jack for creaminess, or even try a sharp Gruyère for a nutty twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Gluten-free baking requires a blend of alternative flours and often xanthan gum. You’d need to experiment with a gluten-free flour mix designed for bread dough to achieve similar texture, but the process may differ slightly.

Is the recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, these bites are perfect for kids! They’re soft, cheesy, and fun to eat. Just watch the salt level to keep it kid-friendly, and feel free to serve with milder dipping sauces if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe is a joyful mix of textures and flavors that can brighten any occasion. It’s satisfying to make from scratch and even more satisfying to eat. Whether you’re sharing with friends at a gathering or treating yourself, these bites are sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and prepare for lots of happy snack moments!