Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe, a delightful snack that combines the irresistible chewiness of homemade pretzel bites with a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game night, craving a cozy treat, or looking for a fun appetizer to impress your friends, this recipe hits all the right notes. From the golden-crisp exterior sprinkled with coarse salt to the smooth, cheesy dip, every bite invites you to savor warm, homemade goodness that simply can’t be beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in making your pretzel bites perfectly fluffy, golden, and full of flavor. The balance between yeast, butter, and sugar helps create that signature soft yet chewy texture, while the baking soda bath gives the pretzels their classic crust. The cheddar sauce blends creamy butter and sharp cheese for a luscious dip that complements every bite.

• 1 ½ cups lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for softness.
• 2 ¼ tsp instant rise yeast (¼ oz packet): Essential for the dough to rise and get that airy texture.
• 2 tbsp butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to balance the savory flavors.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and tightens the gluten structure.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates the dough structure.
• ½ cup baking soda: Used in the boiling water bath to give the pretzels their distinct crust.
• 1 egg (beaten): Helps the pretzels develop a shiny, golden-brown finish.
• ½ tbsp water: Mixed with the egg for the perfect wash.
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling): Adds crunch and a salty burst on top.
• 2 ¼ cups whole milk: The creamy base of the cheddar cheese sauce.
• ¼ cup salted butter: Creates a silky roux for the cheese sauce.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce smoothly.
• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated): Gives the cheese sauce its rich, melty, and flavorful character.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances the cheese sauce seasoning.
• ¼ tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the sauce.
• ¼ tsp ground mustard powder: Enhances the cheddar’s sharpness and depth.

How to Make Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by whisking together the lukewarm water and instant rise yeast in a stand mixer bowl. This wakes up the yeast and begins the fermentation process that will make your pretzel bites wonderfully airy and soft.

Step 2: Mix in Butter, Sugar, and Salt

Next, add the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to your yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until combined, setting the stage for a perfect dough that’s flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Add Flour and Knead

Attach the dough hook to your mixer and, on low speed, slowly add in 3 cups of flour, half a cup at a time. Keep mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If it still feels sticky, add more flour in small increments until it’s manageable. Once done, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for 2 minutes. Shape your dough into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest

Place your dough ball in a lightly greased bowl and cover it. Let it rest for about 10 minutes—it’s a brief pause that lets the gluten relax, making rolling easier in the next steps.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath and Shape Dough

While the dough rests, bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Then, divide the dough into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into approximately 1-inch-thick ropes and cut these into 1 ½-inch pretzel bites.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Line Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures your pretzel bites bake evenly with a crisp finish.

Step 7: Boil the Pretzel Bites

Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 20 seconds each. This quick bath gives the pretzels that signature chewy crust and signature flavor. Remove them with a slotted spoon and arrange them spaced out on your baking sheets.

Step 8: Add Egg Wash and Coarse Salt

Mix the beaten egg with water and brush this wash evenly over each pretzel bite. This step is what creates that glowing, golden-brown exterior. Sprinkle with coarse salt to add a delightful crunch and salty burst.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and utterly inviting, then remove and let cool slightly while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 10: Melt Butter and Make Roux

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt your salted butter. Stir in the flour right away, whisking to eliminate lumps and create a smooth roux that’s the secret to a creamy cheese sauce.

Step 11: Whisk in Milk and Thicken

Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, whisking often, until thickened to a luscious sauce consistency.

Step 12: Add Cheese and Season

Finally, stir in the grated cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Keep whisking until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—it should be rich, cheesy, and just a little tangy to complement those pretzel bites.

How to Serve Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or a pinch of smoked paprika over the cheese sauce for a pop of color and an extra flavor dimension that elevates this snack to something truly special.

Side Dishes

These pretzel bites with cheddar sauce pair wonderfully with crisp veggie sticks, spicy mustard dips, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. They also make a great accompaniment to your favorite beer or sparkling cider for a perfect snack or party starter.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pretzel bites in rustic wooden bowls alongside small ramekins of cheddar cheese sauce, or thread them onto skewers for a fun, shareable presentation. For a party, try a dipping board featuring a variety of dips to satisfy different tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh enough for quick snacking later on.

Freezing

Pretzel bites freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to 2 months and can be easily reheated without losing their charm.

Reheating

For reheating frozen or leftover pretzel bites, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the crust and warms them through without drying them out, perfect to enjoy with your cheddar cheese sauce again.

FAQs

Can I use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild in the cheddar cheese sauce?

Absolutely! Using sharp cheddar will give your sauce a bolder, tangier flavor. Just remember that sharp cheddar can sometimes be saltier, so adjust salt in the recipe accordingly.

What can I use if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast, but be sure to proof it first in the lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar and wait until it bubbles before mixing into your dough. This ensures the yeast is alive and active.

Is there a substitute for baking soda in the water bath step?

Baking soda is key for achieving that characteristic chewy crust and flavor on pretzels. While you can omit it, the texture and color won’t be quite the same, so it’s best to keep it in the recipe if you want authentic pretzel bites.

Can I make the pretzel bites gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flours, but results may vary in texture and chewiness. Specialized gluten-free baking blends often work best when combined with xanthan gum for elasticity.

How do I make the cheddar cheese sauce less thick if it’s too dense?

If your cheese sauce turns out too thick, simply whisk in a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Whisk thoroughly to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack to wow your family or friends, this Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe is absolutely the way to go. It’s approachable, rewarding, and downright delicious with every soft, golden bite dipped in that rich cheddar sauce. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a go-to treat for any occasion, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites all around.

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