Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce

Why Make Pretzel Bites at Home

Soft pretzel bites disappear faster than any other appetizer I serve. The dough is simple, the boiling step gives them that classic pretzel chew and shine, and dunking them in warm cheddar sauce makes them impossible to resist. This recipe turns a snack run into a fun kitchen project.

Ingredients for the Bites

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 cups water (for boiling)
• 1/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
• 1 egg, beaten (for wash)
• Coarse salt, for topping

Ingredients for the Cheese Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Pinch of mustard powder, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast. Stir the sugar into the warm water, sprinkle the yeast on top, and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. Let it rise. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes until doubled.
4. Shape the bites. Punch down the dough, roll it into ropes about 1/2 inch thick, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
5. Boil. Bring the 10 cups of water to a boil and stir in the baking soda. Boil the bites in batches for 30 seconds, then lift out with a slotted spoon.
6. Bake. Arrange on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until golden.
7. Make the sauce. Melt the butter, whisk in the flour for 1 minute, slowly whisk in the milk until thickened, then melt in the cheddar until smooth.
8. Serve warm. Pile the bites on a platter with the cheese sauce for dipping.

Tips

• Do not skip the baking soda bath; it gives pretzels their signature flavor and color.
• Keep bites moving in the boiling water so they do not stick together.
• Warm the milk slightly before adding cheese for a silkier sauce.

Storage

Store baked bites in a bag at room temperature for 2 days and refresh in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Keep cheese sauce refrigerated and reheat with a splash of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, mix it directly with the flour and proceed the same way.

Can I freeze them?

Freeze the baked bites on a tray, then bag them. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 8 minutes.