Homemade Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce – The Perfect Snack!
Looking for the ultimate soft and chewy pretzel bites with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce? This easy homemade recipe gives you buttery, golden-brown, salty pretzel bites paired with an irresistible dipping sauce—perfect for game nights, parties, or whenever cravings strike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & Fun: Simple step-by-step instructions make it beginner-friendly.
✔ Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleasing snack for gatherings and family nights.
✔ Soft & Chewy Texture: Just like your favorite mall pretzels but homemade!
✔ Cheese Sauce Magic: Velvety, cheesy, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water (ideal for activating the yeast)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant rise yeast (one ¼ oz packet)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adds depth to the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
- ½ cup baking soda (for the boiling step—creates that signature pretzel texture!)
- 1 egg (beaten) + ½ tablespoon water (for an egg wash that gives shine!)
- Coarse salt (for topping, use kosher or pretzel salt)
For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:
- 2 ¼ cups whole milk (for creamy richness)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (thickens the sauce)
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder (enhances the cheese flavor!)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together warm water and instant yeast. Let sit for 1-2 minutes until the yeast is slightly foamy.
- Add melted butter, brown sugar, and salt, whisking until well combined.
- Attach the dough hook to the mixer and set it on low speed. Gradually add 3 cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
- If the dough is sticky, add ¼ cup more flour at a time, kneading until it bounces back when poked.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 minutes. Form into a smooth ball.
- Place in a greased mixing bowl, cover with a towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Shape & Boil the Pretzel Bites
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ½ cup baking soda (this gives pretzels their signature chew!)
- While the water heats, cut dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut each rope into 1½-inch bites.
- Drop 6-8 pieces at a time into the boiling water for 20 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on prepared baking sheets.
Step 3: Bake the Pretzel Bites
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg + ½ tablespoon water. Brush over pretzel bites.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt for extra flavor.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add milk, whisking continuously. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in grated cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until smooth.
- Serve warm alongside pretzel bites for the perfect dipping experience!
Expert Tips for the Best Pretzel Bites
✅ Use Warm Water (Not Hot!) – Water around 110°F (43°C) activates the yeast perfectly.
✅ Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath – This step creates the chewy texture & deep brown color.
✅ Watch the Bake Time – Bake just until golden; overbaking can make them dry.
✅ Make it Extra Buttery – Brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter for a soft, rich finish!
✅ Spice Up the Cheese Sauce – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve:
✨ Enjoy warm with cheese sauce for the ultimate snack.
✨ Pair with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy cheese dip for variety.
✨ Great for game day, movie night, or party appetizers!
How to Store & Reheat:
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
- Cheese sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat on low heat, stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes! Simply proof it in warm water + 1 teaspoon sugar for 5 minutes before adding other ingredients.
2. Can I Freeze Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked pretzel bites after the baking soda bath. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add 2-3 minutes extra baking time.
3. What’s the Best Cheese for the Sauce?
Mild or sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but you can also try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for variety!
4. How Can I Make These Sweet Instead of Savory?
Swap coarse salt for cinnamon sugar and dip in cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce!
Final Thoughts
These homemade pretzel bites with cheddar cheese sauce are soft, buttery, salty, and incredibly addicting! Whether for a party appetizer, game day treat, or fun weekend snack, they’ll be a huge hit.
Did you make this recipe? Let us know in the comments & tag us on social media!
