Name: Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Pretzel Bites:; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 9 cups water (for boiling); 1/2 cup baking soda; Coarse salt, for topping; For the Cheese Sauce:; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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These soft, golden pretzel bites with cheese sauce are everything a snack should be—chewy on the inside, perfectly salted on top, and made even better with a velvety homemade cheese sauce. Ideal for parties, game day spreads, or casual snacking, this recipe brings together classic comfort food with a fun, shareable twist.

Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy, golden pretzels made from scratch
Rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce for dipping
Kid-friendly and crowd-approved
Great for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in
Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat
Uses pantry staples
Customizable with seasoning or cheese options
Fun to make with the whole family
Bakes in under 15 minutes
Perfect pairing of salty and savory flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pretzel Bites:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
9 cups water (for boiling)
1/2 cup baking soda
Coarse salt, for topping

For the Cheese Sauce:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together yeast, warm water, salt, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in melted butter, then gradually mix in flour using a fork.
Knead the dough by hand for 2–3 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide rested dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and cut into 10–12 bite-sized pieces. Arrange on baking sheet.
Bring 9 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Reduce to medium-low and stir in baking soda slowly and carefully.
Boil pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove and return them to the baking sheet.
Sprinkle boiled pretzel bites with coarse salt.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

For the Cheese Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly add heavy cream, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add shredded cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
Serve warm alongside the baked pretzel bites.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 313 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Sweet Version: Skip the salt and top boiled bites with cinnamon sugar before baking. Serve with a vanilla glaze.
Different Cheeses: Try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or add gouda for smokiness.
Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Wrap small cubes of cheese or cooked veggies inside each dough bite before boiling.
Everything Seasoning: Swap coarse salt for everything bagel seasoning before baking.
Mini Pretzel Dogs: Wrap bite-sized hot dog pieces in dough for a fun party snack.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and check that baking soda and yeast are gluten-free.
Dijon Twist: Stir 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the cheese sauce.
Roasted Garlic Flavor: Use roasted garlic instead of powder for extra depth in the cheese sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage (Pretzels): Store baked pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Storage (Cheese Sauce): Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating (Pretzels): Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–30 seconds.
Reheating (Cheese Sauce): Reheat gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream if too thick.
Freezing: Freeze pretzel bites (baked and cooled) for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Why do I need to boil the pretzel bites in baking soda?

This step gives pretzels their classic chewy crust and dark golden color. It’s what makes a pretzel a pretzel.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza or pretzel dough works in a pinch. Follow the same boiling and baking steps.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Use freshly shredded cheese and avoid overheating. Stir continuously and remove from heat once melted.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Replace cream with full-fat oat or coconut cream for the sauce.

What’s the best type of salt for topping pretzels?

Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt works best. Avoid table salt—it will dissolve too quickly.

Can I skip the cheese sauce?

Absolutely. Try serving with mustard, ranch, or a sweet cinnamon dip instead.

Do the pretzel bites freeze well?

Yes, freeze them after baking. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until warmed through and crisp.

What can I serve with pretzel bites besides cheese sauce?

Serve with honey mustard, marinara, hummus, or a creamy spinach dip for variety.

How do I make them more kid-friendly?

Skip the cayenne in the cheese sauce and add a fun dip like honey mustard or ketchup for kids.

Conclusion

Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce are the ultimate homemade snack—easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving them for a party or just craving something savory, this recipe delivers classic flavors with a fresh, satisfying twist. Serve them warm and watch them disappear fast.