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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheesy Dip

A stack of warm, golden brown pretzel bites sprinkled with coarse salt, served with a side of bright yellow cheese sauce.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel bites at home using a simple baking soda bath for authentic flavor. This recipe is fast enough for a weeknight snack or perfect for game day appetizers.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup baking soda (for the bath)
  • 8 cups water (for the bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping
  • For the Cheese Dip: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • For the Cheese Dip: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • For the Cheese Dip: 2 cups milk
  • For the Cheese Dip: 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • For the Cheese Dip: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • For the Cheese Dip: Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This quick rise time helps keep them fast.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the cheese dip. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until the cheese melts completely. Keep warm.
  8. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Prepare the baking soda bath: In a large, shallow pot, bring 8 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a boil.
  10. Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 1 inch thick). Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form the bites.
  11. Working in batches, carefully drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Do not overcrowd the pot.
  12. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  13. Brush the tops of the bites with the egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  14. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately with the warm cheese dip. This recipe is a great alternative to using meal planning services for quick snacks.

Notes

  • For a copycat flavor similar to mall pretzels, brush the baked bites with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
  • If you prefer mustard, serve with honey mustard instead of the cheese sauce.
  • If you want a variation, toss half the bites in cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter instead of salt.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/soft-pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade/