Description
These soft pretzel bites are a quick, kid-approved after-school snack or dinner that takes less than 45 minutes to make. Paired with a creamy, homemade cheddar cheese sauce, they offer the authentic taste of a sports arena treat at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (105°F-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling bath)
- ½ cup semolina flour or cornmeal (for sprinkling)
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter (for sauce)
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Coarse sea salt (optional topping)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional topping)
- Hot sauce (optional topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the bites: Punch down dough. Divide into 24 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Second rise: Cover shaped pretzels and let rise for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 5 minutes.
- Baking soda bath: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda carefully. Boil pretzel bites for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Rotate pans halfway through.
- Make cheese sauce: While pretzels bake, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve warm pretzel bites immediately with the cheddar sauce for dipping.
Notes
Do not rush the first rise; it is crucial for texture. Ensure the water is at a rolling boil for the baking soda bath to get the authentic pretzel crust. Always grate your own cheese to prevent graininess in the sauce. Keep the cheese sauce warm while serving to prevent separation. Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites with 2 tbsp
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: soft pretzel bites, cheddar cheese sauce, after school snack, kid friendly recipes, easy dinner, homemade pretzels, comfort food