Print

Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites with Homemade Cheese Dip

A stack of golden brown, salted soft pretzel bites served on a plate next to a small bowl of bright yellow cheese sauce.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make soft, chewy pretzel bites at home using a simple baking soda bath for authentic flavor. Serve warm with a rich, homemade cheese dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 10 cups water (for boiling bath)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for dip)
  • 1/4 cup milk (for dip)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dip)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for dip)
  • Coarse salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the bites: Punch down the dough. Divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
  5. Prepare the bath: In a large, wide pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
  6. Boil the bites: Working in batches, carefully drop about 10 to 12 dough pieces into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the boiled bites with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  8. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown.
  9. Make the cheese dip: While the bites bake, whisk together the cheddar cheese, milk, flour, and paprika in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not boil.
  10. Serve immediately with the warm cheese dip.

Notes

  • For a different flavor, toss the baked bites with melted butter and garlic powder, or melted butter and cinnamon sugar instead of salt.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, you can substitute 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough cut into quarters for the scratch dough, but skip the yeast and first rise steps.
  • For the cheese dip, use a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor.

Nutrition

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