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Cheese Pretzel Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 95 minutes
  • Yield: 16 pretzel bites
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious homemade cheese pretzel bites featuring soft pretzel dough wrapped around sharp cheddar cheese cubes. These bites are boiled in baking soda water for that classic pretzel texture, baked to golden perfection, sprinkled with coarse sea salt, and brushed with melted butter. Perfect as a savory appetizer, snack, or side to your favorite soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (105-110 degrees)
  • 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons whole milk (room temperature)
  • 3 Tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

Cheese

  • 8 ounces Cabot sharp cheddar cheese (cut into ½” cubes)

Boiling and Finishing

  • 4 quarts water
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt (to taste)
  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Proof the Yeast: Combine yeast, warm water, and brown sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook. Stir gently and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Milk and Butter Mixture: While the yeast proofs, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then mix in the room temperature milk and set aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Once yeast is foamy, add the milk and butter mixture into the yeast bowl. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until just combined.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Add salt and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Continue mixing with the dough hook until the flour is fully incorporated.
  5. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough in the mixer until it forms a slightly tacky but firm ball. Add flour one tablespoon at a time if necessary, but be careful not to make the dough too dry. It should be tacky but manageable.
  6. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough ball inside, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Once dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking pan and set aside.
  8. Prepare Cheese Cubes: Chop the cheddar cheese into sixteen ½-inch cubes and set aside. There will be some extra cheese left.
  9. Deflate Dough and Portion: Remove the dough from the bowl and gently press out the air bubbles. Weigh and divide the dough into sixteen equal portions, about 50 grams each, for uniform bites.
  10. Prepare Baking Soda Water Bath: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Slowly add the baking soda a little at a time to prevent boiling over or splashing.
  11. Shape Pretzel Bites: Flatten each dough portion into a round, flat disc. Place one cheese cube in the center and carefully fold and pinch the dough around the cheese, rolling into a smooth ball with no seams exposed to avoid cheese leaks. Do not allow the bites to rise after shaping.
  12. Boil Pretzel Bites: Drop each pretzel bite carefully into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 60 seconds on each side, turning once to ensure even coating. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess water.
  13. Salt the Pretzels: Place boiled pretzel bites on the prepared baking sheet and immediately sprinkle coarse sea salt to taste.
  14. Bake: Bake pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even browning. They are done when golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
  15. Brush with Butter and Cool: Right after removing from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use a food scale to ensure even-sized pretzel bites for consistent cooking.
  • Do not let the pretzel bites rise again after shaping to preserve texture.
  • Carefully add baking soda to boiling water to prevent a foaming explosion.
  • Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or alongside soups and salads.
  • Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for classic flavor and shine.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
  • Calories: 186 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1305 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Find it online: https://yummyhere.com/cheese-pretzel-bites-recipe/