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Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe Easy Homemade with Warm Cheddar Dip

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This recipe delivers soft pretzel bites with a chewy crust and a warm, melty cheddar dip. Perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings, these bites are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 480g)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅔ cup baking soda (150g)
  • Water for boiling (about 8 cups / 1.9 liters)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200g)
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, stir warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand or mixer for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if dough is sticky.
  3. Proof the dough: Shape dough into a ball, place in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring about 8 cups (1.9 liters) of water to a gentle boil in a large pot. Carefully add baking soda and watch for bubbling.
  5. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down dough, divide into 4 pieces. Roll each into a ½ inch thick rope, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  6. Boil the bites: Using a slotted spoon, drop pretzel bites into boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat in batches.
  7. Bake the pretzel bites: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Sprinkle boiled bites with coarse sea salt and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Make the warm cheddar dip: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
  9. Serve: Transfer pretzel bites to a serving bowl or platter and serve warm with cheddar dip.

Notes

If pretzel bites are pale, extend baking time by a few minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning. If dough is too sticky during shaping, dust with a little extra flour. Use coarse salt for authentic texture. Stir cheese into dip off heat to prevent graininess. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, homemade pretzels, cheddar dip, snack recipe, easy pretzels, baking soda bath, comfort food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/soft-pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-with-warm-cheddar-dip/