Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade pretzel bites boast the perfect combination of salty crust and soft interior, paired with a smooth, flavorful cheddar sauce that’s easy to make. They’re fun to eat, customizable, and far better than store-bought snacks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pretzel Bites:

• All-purpose flour

• Active dry yeast

• Warm water

• Sugar

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Butter (melted)

Cheddar Sauce:

• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

• Butter

• All-purpose flour

• Milk

• Mustard powder

• Garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

Directions

Pretzel Bites:

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit until foamy.

2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl; add yeast mixture and melted butter, knead until smooth and elastic.

3. Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Divide dough into small pieces and roll into bite-sized balls.

6. Boil a pot of water and add baking soda. Drop pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.

7. Brush bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Cheddar Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

2. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until sauce thickens.

3. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheddar sauce for a spicy kick.

• Toss pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.

• Use different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda in the sauce.

• Serve with mustard or ranch dips as alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness. Cheddar sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stove.

FAQs

Can I freeze pretzel bites?

Yes, freeze baked bites in a sealed container and reheat in the oven.

Can I make pretzel bites without boiling?

Boiling in baking soda water is essential for the traditional pretzel crust.

How do I keep cheddar sauce smooth?

Reheat gently and stir frequently; add a splash of milk if too thick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese substitutes.

How do I prevent pretzel bites from sticking?

Use parchment paper and avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.

Can I use quick-rise yeast?

Yes, adjust rising times accordingly.

Can I add herbs to the cheddar sauce?

Fresh chives or parsley add a nice touch.

What’s the best way to serve pretzel bites?

Warm with cheddar sauce or other dips for dipping fun.

How do I make pretzel bites softer?

Reduce baking time slightly and cover while cooling.

Are pretzel bites kid-friendly?

Yes, their size and mild flavor make them a hit with kids.

Conclusion

Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce are a fun, tasty snack perfect for sharing with friends and family. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, paired with a creamy cheese dip, this homemade treat is sure to be a favorite at any gathering.

Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Sauce are soft, chewy, bite-sized pretzels served warm alongside a rich and creamy cheddar cheese dip. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacking, this homemade snack offers the ideal balance of salty, crunchy, and cheesy flavors.

---

Ingredients

Pretzel Bites:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

• 1 ¼ cups warm water

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)

• 1 tsp salt

• 4 tbsp butter, melted

• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Cheddar Sauce:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 1 tsp mustard powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

Pretzel Bites:

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit until foamy (~5-10 minutes).

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter; knead until smooth and elastic (~8 minutes).

3. Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Divide dough into bite-sized pieces and roll into balls.

6. Boil water with baking soda. Drop pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds; remove with slotted spoon onto baking sheet.

7. Brush bites with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Cheddar Sauce:

1. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to form roux.

2. Gradually whisk in milk; cook until thickened.

3. Remove from heat; stir in shredded cheddar, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

---

Notes

Add jalapeños or hot sauce to cheddar sauce for spice.Toss pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar for a sweet alternative.Substitute cheese with gouda or pepper jack for different flavors.Serve with mustard or ranch as dipping options.Store pretzel bites airtight at room temperature up to 2 days; cheddar sauce refrigerated up to 3 days.