Description
These Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack featuring chewy, golden-brown pretzel pieces baked to perfection. Boiled briefly in a baking soda solution before baking, they develop their classic texture and flavor. Served warm with a creamy, rich Cheddar cheese sauce, this recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Pretzel Dough
- 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)
Boiling Solution
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
Toppings and Finish
- 1 whole egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Cheese Sauce
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, light brown sugar, active dry yeast, and melted butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix until combined, then let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Knead the Dough: Add kosher salt and 4 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until incorporated. Increase to medium speed and knead for 3 to 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl sides. Add additional flour one tablespoon at a time if the dough is too wet. Remove the dough and knead briefly by hand to form a ball.
- Proof the Dough: Lightly oil a large bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough inside, turning to coat it completely with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to come to temperature.
- Prepare the Boiling Solution: In a small roasting pan, bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Slowly add the baking soda to prevent boiling over, stirring carefully.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a flat surface. Divide into 8 equal portions (about 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 ounces each). Roll each piece into a 22-inch long rope and cut into 1-inch pieces to form pretzel bites.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Working in batches (about 15 bites at a time), carefully drop the pretzel pieces into the boiling baking soda solution. Boil for approximately 30 seconds, then remove with a large slotted spoon.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the boiled pretzel bites on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, ensuring they do not touch. Brush each piece with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cool: Transfer the baked pretzel bites to a wire rack and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in grated Cheddar cheese until smooth and fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the warm pretzel bites alongside the creamy cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the dough is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Adding the baking soda to boiling water creates an alkaline bath, giving pretzels their unique chewy crust and color.
- Do not overcrowd the boiling water; boiling pretzels in batches ensures even cooking.
- Use coarse sea salt for authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
