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Savory Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe with Easy Cheese Dipping Sauce

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Soft, chewy homemade pretzel bites paired with a rich three cheese dipping sauce, perfect for snacks or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for dough)
  • Coarse salt for topping
  • 1/3 cup (80 grams) baking soda (for boiling bath)
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Three Cheese Dipping Sauce:
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (100 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%, dairy-free alternatives work)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a stand mixer dough hook on low or knead by hand for 5-7 minutes (mixer) or about 10 minutes (hand) until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) about 15 minutes before baking.
  5. Prepare baking soda bath: Bring 10 cups (2.4 L) water to a boil in a large pot. Add baking soda carefully, reduce to simmer.
  6. Shape pretzel bites: Punch down dough, divide into portions, roll into ropes about ½ inch thick, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 60-70 bites).
  7. Boil bites: Drop 8-10 bites at a time into simmering baking soda bath for 30 seconds, remove with slotted spoon, place on baking sheets.
  8. Salt and bake: Sprinkle bites with coarse salt immediately, bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, add cheeses, stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and optional mustard powder. Keep warm on low.
  10. Serve warm: Transfer pretzel bites to cooling rack for a few minutes, then plate with cheese sauce and enjoy.

Notes

Use a kitchen thermometer to keep water at 110°F for yeast activation. Knead dough until smooth and elastic for best texture. Do not skip the baking soda bath for authentic pretzel crust. Sprinkle coarse salt immediately after boiling for best adhesion. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning. Keep cheese sauce warm on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent thickening or seizing.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, homemade pretzels, cheese dipping sauce, savory snack, easy appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/savory-homemade-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe-with-easy-cheese-dipping-sauce/