Description
Crispy, golden pretzel bites with cheddar cheese sauce bring German beer hall flavors straight to your kitchen. Salty, warm morsels paired with rich, creamy cheese create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2.25 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Coating and Topping:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, then create a well in the center to pour the yeast mixture and melted butter.
- Knead the dough vigorously for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, using additional flour if needed.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small, uniform bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch in diameter.
- Prepare a baking soda bath by dissolving baking soda in hot water, creating an alkaline solution for dipping.
- Dunk each dough piece into the baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds, which will help create a dark, crispy exterior.
- Place the dipped dough bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites turn golden brown and develop a glossy finish.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk and seasonings.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the warm pretzel bites immediately alongside the rich, velvety cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Activate yeast precisely by using water between 100-110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the active cultures.
- Handle dough gently during kneading to develop gluten structure, creating a soft and chewy texture for perfect pretzel bites.
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, adding xanthan gum to improve dough elasticity.
- Experiment with alternative salt toppings like everything bagel seasoning or ranch powder to customize flavor profile and enhance visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg