Last updated on
Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce
These pretzel bites with cheddar sauce are golden, chewy, and packed with flavor. The creamy, gooey cheese dip makes every bite irresistible!
Jump to RecipeTable of Contents
These soft pretzel bites with cheddar sauce make the perfect party snack or game day treat. You get fluffy, golden bites with a rich, creamy cheese dip ready in just an hour!
Make a batch for movie night, a family gathering, or a weekend snack. Everyone will love the soft texture, buttery flavor, and gooey cheddar sauce!
More Recipes ⭐ Cheese Ball | Fried Cheese Balls | Mini Pepper Pizzas
These soft pretzel bites with cheddar sauce take under an hour to make and taste even better than store-bought. Each bite delivers a warm, buttery flavor with a chewy texture, perfectly paired with rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Serve them at a party, for game day, or as a fun snack. Everyone will love dipping these golden pretzel bites into the gooey, melty cheddar sauce!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this easy soft pretzel bites recipe:
For The Pretzel Bites:
- 1½ cups of water, lukewarm
- 2¼ teaspoons of instant rise yeast (¼ ounce packet)
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 cups of bread flour (plus up to 1 more cup if dough is still sticky)
- ½ cup of baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tablespoon of water
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling on top
Pro Tip
Make sure you are using instant yeast rather than active dry yeast for this recipe.
For The Cheese Sauce:
- ¼ cup of salted butter
- ¼ cup of flour
- 2¼ cups of whole milk
- 2 cups of mild cheddar cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon of pepper
Substitutions and Additions
Make your pretzel bite recipe even more delicious by mixing things up! Swap ingredients, add bold flavors, and create a snack that’s uniquely yours. Check out these top substitutions and tasty extras:
- Substitute all-purpose flour: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or bread flour for extra chewiness in your soft pretzel bites.
- Substitute cheddar cheese: Swap it with pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder, creamier dip.
- Substitute butter: Use garlic butter for extra flavor or olive oil for a lighter touch on your pretzel bites.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or garlic powder on top for extra flavor.
- Add a dipping sauce: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy queso for a variety of flavors.
How to Make Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to make the best soft pretzel bites with cheese. We’ll show you exactly how to get that golden, chewy texture and creamy, gooey cheese dip. Let’s get started!
For The Pretzel Bites
FIRST STEP: In the large bowl of a stand mixer, add warm water and instant yeast. Whisk together. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
SECOND STEP: Next, fit the dough hook attachment on the mixer and turn it on low speed. Slowly add in 3 cups of flour, adding ½ cup at a time, until the mixture is combined and begins pulling away from the sides and is no longer sticky.
If the dough is still sticky, add flour an additional ¼ cup at a time until no longer sticky and the dough bounces back when poked with your finger.
Pro Tip
If you find that the dough is still sticky, add more flour. Add ¼ cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky and bounces back when poked with your finger.
THIRD STEP: Place the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 2 minutes and shape into a ball. Place in a large mixing bowl that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
FOURTH STEP: While the dough is resting, bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Cut the dough into six equal pieces, roll each piece into a 1-inch long rope, then cut each rope into 1½-inch bites.
Pro Tip
A pizza cutter is a great tool to cut the dough into pieces easily.
FIFTH STEP: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
SIXTH STEP: Add each piece of dough into the boiling water (work in batches) and let it cook for 20 seconds. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and place bites on the baking sheets evenly spaced about an inch apart.
SEVENTH STEP: In a small bowl, combine the egg and water. Beat together. Brush the beaten egg wash over each pretzel bite and then sprinkle with coarse salt.
EIGHTH STEP: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your pretzels at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
For The Cheese Sauce
FIRST STEP: In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted completely, add flour and whisk together until there are no lumps.
SECOND STEP: Turn the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the milk. Let cook over medium heat, whisking often for about 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken as it cooks.
THIRD STEP: Add cheese, salt, and ground mustard. Whisk to combine until smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
How To Serve Cheesy Pretzel Bites
These pretzel bites with cheddar sauce make the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a cozy movie night, or serving a crowd, these golden bites will disappear fast. Here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Game Day Snack: These pretzel bites are a must-have for game day! Their soft, chewy texture pairs perfectly with creamy cheese sauce and bold flavors. Serve them with buffalo chicken dip or coca-cola drumsticks for the ultimate crowd-pleasing spread.
- Family Movie Night: Turn movie night into a feast with these warm, buttery pretzel bites. Kids and adults will love dunking them into melty cheese sauce. Add some homemade popcorn and double chocolate chip cookies for a fun and tasty treat.
- Holiday Appetizer: These soft pretzel bites make a fantastic appetizer for holiday gatherings. Their bite-sized shape makes them easy to grab and enjoy. Serve them with instant pot little smokies or a festive sausage dip for a delicious party platter!
Why You'll Love This Recipe for Pretzel Bites
Cheese pretzel bites are a favorite for so many reasons! From their warm, buttery texture to the gooey cheese dip, every bite is irresistible. Here’s why readers keep coming back to this recipe:
- The Perfect Balance of Soft and Chewy: These pretzel bites have a golden, buttery crust with a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth. The cheddar sauce adds a rich, creamy contrast that makes every bite even more delicious.
- A Fun and Easy Homemade Snack: Making these pretzel bites is easier than you think! You can skip the store-bought version and enjoy fresh, homemade pretzels in just an hour. The step-by-step guide ensures you get perfect results every time.
- Irresistible for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a party, planning a family snack, or craving a warm and salty treat, this recipe delivers. Kids and adults love dunking these bites into the creamy cheese sauce, making them a hit every time.
Nothing beats the joy of homemade soft pretzel bites with cheddar sauce-warm, golden, and packed with flavor!
Recipe FAQ
How do you get pretzel bites golden brown?
Brush the pretzel bites with an egg wash before baking. This helps create a shiny, golden crust with a perfect texture.
Why do you boil pretzel bites in baking soda water?
Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzel bites their chewy texture and deep brown color. It also adds that signature pretzel flavor.
How do you make cheddar sauce smooth and creamy?
Whisk the cheese sauce constantly over low heat. This prevents clumping and ensures a silky, rich dip for your pretzel bites.
Can I make these pretzel bites without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead the dough by hand for about eight to ten minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic before letting it rise.
Serving FAQ
Should I serve soft pretzel bites warm or at room temperature?
Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture. The cheddar sauce stays creamy, and the pretzel bites stay soft and chewy.
How do I keep soft pretzel bites from getting too hard while serving?
Cover them with a clean towel or place them in a covered dish. This helps keep them soft and fresh longer.
Can I make soft pretzel bites in different shapes for serving?
Yes! Roll the dough into small knots or twists for a fun variation. They will still bake up golden and delicious.
What’s the best way to serve soft pretzel bites with cheddar sauce at a party?
Place them on a platter with a bowl of warm cheddar sauce. Keep the sauce nearby for easy dipping.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions below for the best way to store, reheat, and make these pretzel bites with cheddar sauce ahead of time. Whether you want to prep in advance or save leftovers, we’ve got the best tips to keep them soft, fresh, and delicious!
Can I prepare soft pretzel bites ahead of time?
Yes! After shaping the dough, cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. Bake when ready for fresh, warm pretzels.
What’s the best way to store leftover soft pretzel bites?
Place cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days.
Can I freeze soft pretzel bites for later?
Freeze leftover pretzel bites for a quick and easy snack later! Let them cool completely after baking, then freeze them on a tray until solid, about an hour. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to three months.
How do I reheat soft pretzel bites to keep them soft?
When reheating, brush pretzel bites with a little water and microwave them for ten to fifteen seconds.
Can I store leftover cheddar sauce?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.
Pretzel Bites with Cheese
These pretzel bites with cheddar sauce are golden, chewy, and packed with flavor. The creamy, gooey cheese dip makes every bite irresistible!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites
- 1½ cups water (lukewarm)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant rise yeast (¼-ounce packet)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups flour (plus up to 1 more cup if dough is still sticky)
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ tablespoon water
- coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Cheese Sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2¼ cups whole milk
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS
Pretzel Bites
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add warm water and instant yeast. Whisk together.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.
- Fit the dough hook on the mixer and turn on low speed. Slowly add in 3 cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, until the mixture is combined and pulling away from the sides.
- If the dough is still sticky, add flour an additional ¼ cup at a time until no longer sticky and the dough bounces back when poked with your finger.
- Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 2 minutes and then shape into a ball. Place in a large mixing bowl that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- While your dough is resting, bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Cut dough into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into 1-inch-long ropes. Cut each rope into 1½-inch bites.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add each piece of cut dough into the boiling water (work in batches) and let cook for 20 seconds. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and place pretzel bites on the baking sheets evenly spaced about an inch apart.
- In a small bowl, combine egg and water. Beat together. Brush beaten egg wash over each pretzel bite and then sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and let bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low, heat the butter. Once the butter is melted, add flour and whisk together until no lumps remain.
- Turn heat to medium and slowly whisk in milk. Let cook over medium heat whisking often for about 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken as it cooks.
- Add cheese, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Whisk to combine until smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
WATCH THIS RECIPE VIDEO
Notes
- Make sure you are using instant yeast rather than active dry yeast for this recipe.
- If you find that the dough is still sticky, add more flour. Add ¼ cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky and bounces back when poked with your finger.
- A pizza cutter is a great tool to cut the dough into pieces easily.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your pretzels at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
Nutrition
Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 2166mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 241mg | Iron: 2mg
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?Follow me on Pinterest @bestblogrecipes
More Recipes
Comments
Anonymous says
Huge hit with everyone!
Kim says
This was my very first attempt at making pretzels. They weren’t as pretty as yours but they were very good. I will definitely be making these again. Thanks for the recipe!