Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip are the perfect snack for tailgating. Soft, chewy and bite size with a golden crust, they’re perfect for dunking into a rich cheese dip that can be customized 3-ways.
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There are essentially two parts to this recipe. Soft Pretzel Bites. Cheese Dip. And both… are… AMAZING!
The pretzel bites come together quickly. No need to let the dough rise for hours on end. Just 10 minutes is all it takes and then you’re ready to assemble. Knead the dough, roll it and cut into bite sized bits.
The key here is in the baking soda bath. Before baking, the bites are dipped into a bath of baking soda and water, for a quick 20-second swim. Then, they’re spread out onto prepared baking sheets and baked for 10-15 minutes. In those last few minutes of baking, that deep golden color really develops and then you realize – I made pretzels!
Sprinkle them with a bit of salt, or everything bagel seasoning, and you’re in for a treat!
I’m going to be snacking on these all fall! They’re the perfect tailgating snack.
Also – Let’s not forget the glorious pretzel cheese dip. One taste and you will NEVER forget it – Trust me!
Ooey, gooey, creamy, cheesy sauce that coats those pretzel bites in the best way possible. And boy, did it ever. I 💛💛💛 this pretzel cheese sauce. It’s the perfect consistency, doesn’t clump up at all, and is super easy to reheat.
🛒 Pretzel Bites Ingredients
- Flour
- Instant Rise Yeast
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Egg
🧀 Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Cheddar Cheese
- Salt + Pepper
🥨 How to Make Pretzel Bites
- Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water, and whisk to combine.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, salt and yeast mixture to a mixing bowl.
- Stir until combined. Then slowly add in the flour.
- Lightly flour your counter and turn the dough out onto it.
- Knead for about 2 minutes, then form into a ball.
- Place the dough in a large mixing bowl that has been lightly coated with nonstick spray. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil with the baking soda and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Section dough into six equal parts and roll each section into long ropes. Then, cut into 1-1/2 inch bites.
- Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for 20 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto parchment paper lined baking sheets, making sure that pretzel bites do not touch. Repeat with remaining pretzel bites.
- Brush an egg wash over each pretzel bite and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Enjoy!
🥣 How To Make Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Heat milk until bubbles form.
- In separate pan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook until lightly browned.
- Add warm milk to flour and whisk until thick.
- Stir in the cheese.
Mustard Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Make a mustard cheddar cheese sauce for pretzels by adding a dollop of your favorite mustard to the prepared cheese sauce.
Nacho Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Make a spicy nacho cheese sauce for pretzels by adding 2 tablespoons of hot sauce and 1 teaspoon cayenne when you add the cheese.
Horseradish Cheese Dip
- Make a zingy horseradish cheese sauce for pretzels by adding 2 tablespoons of horseradish when you add the cheese.
Let me just give you a minute to ponder → How many of these pretzel bites can you eat in one sitting?
If you do happen to have leftovers, here’s the best ways to store them…
🕕 How to Make Ahead & Store
- The pretzel bites will remain fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container, though they will lose some softness. You can also store them in a paper bag.
- You can also freeze the baked pretzel bites. To serve, let thaw then reheat in 300-degree oven until warmed through.
- You can also make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
✔️ More Appetizer Recipes
ℹ️ What Goes Good with Pretzel Bites?
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Full Recipe
Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites
- 1 1/2 cups water (lukewarm)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant rise yeast ((1/4 ounce packet))
- 2 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Cheese Dip
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- salt + pepper to taste
Nacho Cheese Dip
Mustard Cheese Dip
- Cheese Dip (recipe above)
- 1 Tablespoon mustard
Horseradish Cheese Dip
- Cheese Dip (recipe above)
- 2 Tablespoons horseradish
Instructions
Pretzel Bites
- Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water. Whisk well until combined, about 1 minute.
- To a mixing bowl add the butter, brown sugar, salt, and yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Slowly add in 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. Mix by hand or use mixer fitted with dough hook, until dough is thick. Add 3/4 cup more flour and stir. If dough is still sticky, add flour, and additional 1/4 cup at a time, until no longer sticky, and dough bounces back when poked with your finger.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2 minutes and shape into a ball. Place in a large mixing bowl that has been lightly coated with nonstick spray. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil with the baking soda, preheat oven to 425 degrees, and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Section dough into six equal parts and roll each section into long ropes. Then, cut into 1-1/2 inch bites.
- Once water is boiling, drop 10 pretzel bites into water and boil 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto prepared baking sheets, making sure that pretzel bites do not touch. Repeat with remaining pretzel bites.
- Brush beaten egg over each pretzel bite and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown, rotating the sheet pans once halfway through cooking.
Cheese Dip
- Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form on the top.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in another saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
- Add the warm milk to the flour butter mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2015. It was updated in 202 to add new photographs and an instructional video, and again in 2023 to add new content. The original pretzel bites and cheese dip recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
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