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To make buttery soft pretzel bites, you'll need simple ingredients. These items create a fun, cheesy snack that everyone loves. - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing) - 4 cups water (for boiling) - ¼ cup baking soda - Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Each ingredient plays a key role in making your pretzel bites flavorful and soft. The warm water helps activate the yeast. Sugar feeds the yeast, making it bubbly. The flour gives the bites their structure, while the butter adds richness. Baking soda in boiling water gives that classic pretzel flavor and color. Don't forget the coarse salt and cheese; they add extra flavor. Enjoy the process of creating these delightful bites! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, in a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently. Let it sit for 5 minutes. You want it to froth and bubble. This shows the yeast is alive and ready. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Next, pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon. Keep mixing until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but come together well. Now, shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size during this time. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda, as it will bubble. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches long. Place the pretzel bites into the boiling water, a few at a time. Boil them for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet. Brush each bite with melted butter. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. Make a small indentation on each bite. Push a piece of cheddar cheese into the opening. Bake the bites for 12-15 minutes. They should be golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, buttery soft pretzel bites! To get that perfect soft pretzel bite, focus on the dough’s texture. You want it smooth and elastic. If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. On the other hand, if it's too dry, a little warm water can help. Adjust for humidity by adding flour in small amounts. At high altitudes, add a bit more water since the air is drier. Using baking soda is key for that classic pretzel flavor. It also helps the pretzel bites get a nice brown color. When boiling, keep the water at a rolling boil. Boil the pretzel bites for about 30 seconds. This quick dip makes them soft inside but gives them a lovely crust outside. You can add a twist to your pretzel bites by using different cheeses. Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun change! You can also use toppings like garlic powder or sesame seeds. For dips, mustard is great, but a creamy cheese dip makes for a perfect match too. Pro Tips Activate Your Yeast: Make sure the water is warm but not too hot; around 110°F is perfect. This ensures your yeast activates properly and results in a fluffy pretzel bite. Don’t Skip the Boil: Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water before baking gives them that classic pretzel texture and flavor. Make sure the water is at a rolling boil! Cheese Tips: For a gooey center, use shredded cheese rather than slices. It melts more evenly and fits perfectly into the pretzel bite's indentation. Storage Secrets: To keep pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy exterior. {{image_4}} You can stuff your pretzel bites with different cheeses. Cheddar is great, but try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. To stuff them, make a small indentation in each bite before boiling. Insert cheese into the space, then seal it carefully. This will keep the cheese inside while baking. Add flavor with spices and herbs. For a savory touch, use garlic powder or Italian herbs. If you crave something sweet, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top after baking. Each option gives you a new taste. You can mix and match to find your favorite. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a blend that has xanthan gum to help the dough hold together. You may need to adjust the water amount to get the right dough texture. Follow the same steps, and you’ll enjoy these bites without gluten! To keep your pretzel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. They will last for about 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure they cool completely before packing them away. To bring back the soft texture, reheat your pretzel bites in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them warm and soft. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. After reheating, serve them with your favorite mustard or cheese dip for a fun snack. You can skip baking soda by boiling pretzel bites in plain water. The texture will differ, but you will still have tasty bites. Just remember, baking soda gives that classic pretzel flavor and nice color. Yes, a stand mixer works great for mixing dough. Use the dough hook to knead until it's smooth and elastic. This saves time and makes it easier on your hands. Many dips go well with pretzel bites. Here are some favorites: - Yellow mustard - Spicy mustard - Cheese dip - Garlic butter - Ranch dressing These options add fun flavors to each bite! Homemade pretzel bites stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. It is not necessary to let the dough rise twice, but it helps improve texture. The first rise allows the dough to grow, and a second rise can make it lighter. If you're short on time, just let it rise once! You now have a solid guide to making delicious pretzel bites. We covered the key ingredients, from warm water to cheddar cheese, crucial steps for dough and boiling, and even some clever tips for perfecting your bites. Variations include cheese-stuffed or seasoned options, and we discussed storage to keep them fresh. Enjoy making pretzel bites at home. They are fun, tasty, and worth the effort! Give your twists a try today!

Cheesy Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Delicious soft pretzel bites filled with cheddar cheese and brushed with melted butter.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
  • 4 cups water (for boiling)
  • 0.25 cup baking soda
  • to taste coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently, then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Afterward, pour in the yeast mixture along with the melted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a cohesive dough starts to form.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, indicating it’s ready for rising.
  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda. Be cautious, as it will bubble up!
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove any excess air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope approximately 1 inch thick, then cut each rope into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches long).
  • Carefully place the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water, a few at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush each boiled pretzel bite with melted butter, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt to enhance the flavor. Using your finger, make a small indentation on top of each bite and gently push a piece of shredded cheddar cheese into the opening.
  • Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
  • Once baked, let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch, brush them lightly with melted butter again if desired.

Notes

Serve warm with mustard or cheese dip for a delightful snack experience.
Keyword cheese, pretzel, snack