If you’ve ever wished for a snack that’s irresistibly soft on the inside, perfectly golden on the outside, and bursting with melty cheesy goodness, then this Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine little pillows of dough, kissed with a subtly salty crust, dipped in creamy cheddar sauce that elevates snacking to an art form. These bites are not just a treat but a fun project to make that fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pretzels combined with cheese that melts just right. Whether for game night, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, these pretzel bites bring joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients: these are straightforward pantry staples that together create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the yeast that gives life to the dough, to the baking soda bath that gives pretzels their signature chewy crust, and finally the sharp cheddar that adds gooey richness. No complicated items here, just easy-to-find essentials that combine perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough come to life with a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the salty crust and cheese.
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- 3 ounces unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the dough for a soft texture.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for flavoring the dough and finishing the pretzels with a crunchy salt topping.
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Vegetable oil: Used to coat the dough during rising to prevent sticking and help with easy handling.
- 3 quarts water: For the baking soda boiling bath that gives pretzels their classic texture.
- 1/3 cup baking soda: Transforms the dough’s surface, creating a shiny, golden crust.
- 1 whole egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water): Used as an egg wash for a beautifully glossy finish.
- Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top for crunch and bursts of salty flavor.
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter: For a luscious cheese sauce base.
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
- ½ cup milk: Provides richness and smoothness in the cheese sauce.
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese (grated): The star of the cheese sauce, melted into velvety goodness to dip every pretzel bite.
How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast Mixture
Start by combining warm water, light brown sugar, yeast, and melted butter in your stand mixer’s bowl, fitted with a dough hook. This mixture is where the magic begins as the yeast activates and starts bubbling, priming the dough for rise. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing those tiny yeast cells to wake up and get ready to work their magic.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Next up, add kosher salt and flour to the yeast concoction and mix on low speed to combine. Then crank up the speed to medium to knead until you get a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl in about 3 to 4 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in extra flour one tablespoon at a time—it should feel soft but not sticky. Once ready, take the dough out and shape it into a neat ball with your hands, setting the stage for a perfect rise.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside, turning to coat it completely with oil. This prevents the dough from drying out. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and tuck it away in a warm corner of your kitchen for about an hour, until it doubles in size. Watching the dough puff up is such a satisfying moment—it means your Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Recipe is well on its way.
Step 4: Oven Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F. This intense heat is key for getting those bites golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a small roasting pan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Slowly add the baking soda—careful here because it bubbles up vigorously! This alkaline bath is critical: it’s what transforms the surface of the pretzels, giving them their signature chew and that unmistakable golden color.
Step 6: Shape and Boil Pretzel Bites
Remove the dough from the bowl onto a flat surface and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 22 inches long, then cut into 1-inch pieces to create perfect bite-sized pretzels. Boil these bites in the hot baking soda water in batches—about 15 at a time—for 30 seconds. This step might look a bit unusual, but it’s absolutely essential for that authentic pretzel texture!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Use a large slotted spoon to lift the boiled pretzel bites and place them on a cooking spray–lined baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them rest on a wire rack for a few minutes—trust me, the smell alone will make you eager to dig in.
Step 8: Whip Up the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
While the pretzel bites are cooling, melt ½ tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened, then stir in the grated cheddar until it’s silky and melted. This warm cheese sauce is exactly what your soft pretzel bites have been waiting for!
How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a touch of freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley over your cheddar sauce or directly on the pretzel bites adds a pop of color and subtle freshness. You can also offer some grainy mustard on the side for an extra flavor kick.
Side Dishes
While these pretzel bites are fantastic on their own, pairing them with some crisp vegetable sticks or a cool cucumber salad balances out the richness beautifully. A refreshing tomato basil soup makes for a hearty meal companion as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, accompanied by ramekins filled with cheese sauce and mustard. For parties, put out a dipping station with assorted sauces like spicy sriracha cheese, garlic butter, or even sweet honey mustard to delight all taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pretzel bites (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out, so they retain that soft, chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze pretzel bites either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, shape the bites and freeze on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. For baked pretzel bites, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked softness and warmth, reheat pretzel bites in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You can also warm your cheddar cheese sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep it smooth and melty for dipping.
FAQs
Can I use sharp cheddar for the cheese sauce?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar actually adds a wonderful boldness to the sauce, which pairs perfectly with the salty soft pretzel bites. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference for cheesiness.
Why do we boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?
The baking soda bath is essential for achieving the classic pretzel texture and deep golden-brown color. It changes the surface pH, leading to that signature chewy crust and shiny finish you expect from soft pretzels.
Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can mix and knead the dough by hand, though it might take a little extra elbow grease. The key is kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes by hand.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This resting time is crucial for light, fluffy pretzel bites that are soft and airy inside.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk, and omit the egg wash or replace it with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for a golden crust. For the cheese sauce, opt for vegan cheddar-style cheese melts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about making your own Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Recipe. It’s a hands-on, comforting project that yields an absolutely irresistible snack or appetizer. Once you try these, you’ll make them again and again, sharing with friends and family who will quickly fall in love with every cheesy, soft, salty bite. So grab your apron and get ready to bake your way to snack-time bliss!
Print
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 138 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly golden, chewy, and flavorful snacks that are easy to make from scratch. Boiled briefly in a baking soda solution and baked until golden, they come with a delicious homemade cheddar cheese sauce for dipping, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pretzel Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for coating dough and greasing pan)
Boiling Solution
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 whole egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt
Cheese Sauce
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, light brown sugar, yeast, and melted butter. Mix with the dough hook until just combined, then let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add kosher salt and 4 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until ingredients come together, then increase speed to medium and knead for about 3 to 4 minutes until dough is smooth and pulls away from bowl sides. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if dough is too sticky. Remove dough and knead lightly by hand into a ball.
- Proof the Dough: Lightly oil a large bowl with vegetable oil. Place dough in the bowl, turning to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and set in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel bites.
- Prepare Boiling Solution: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a roasting pan or large pot over high heat. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water, taking care to avoid boil-over, as it will foam up rapidly.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Remove the risen dough onto a flat surface. Divide into 8 equal portions (about 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 ounces each). Roll each piece into a 22-inch long rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Working in batches (about 15 pieces at a time), boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for approximately 30 seconds each. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, making sure bites do not touch.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite generously with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the tops for flavor and texture.
- Bake Pretzel Bites: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a rich golden brown color.
- Make Cheese Sauce: While the pretzels bake, melt ½ tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in ½ tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in grated cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Transfer baked pretzel bites to a cooling rack and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with the homemade cheddar cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually to avoid a dense pretzel.
- Be very careful while adding baking soda to boiling water; it foams vigorously.
- Use kosher salt or coarse sea salt for authentic pretzel texture and flavor.
- Serve pretzel bites fresh and warm for the best taste and texture.
- Cheese sauce can be customized with different cheeses or spices according to preference.
