Description
These golden, chewy pretzel bites are paired with a rich, creamy cheese sauce—perfect for dipping! A kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing snack that’s great for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together yeast, warm water, salt, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk in melted butter.
- Mix in flour with a fork, then knead by hand for 2–3 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into 6 chunks. Roll each into 20-inch strands and cut into 10–12 bite-sized pieces. Place on a baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly stir in baking soda until dissolved.
- Boil pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds, then remove and place back on baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Serve warm with pretzel bites.
Notes
- Boiling pretzels in baking soda water gives them a chewy, authentic texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for a smoother, creamier cheese sauce.
- Customize the spice level of the cheese sauce with more or less cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 313
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
