Get ready for a delicious treat – these soft and salty pretzel bites with a simple cheese sauce are an absolute delight! No need to worry about folding the dough, as these bite-sized wonders are perfect for dipping into the creamy cheese sauce.
Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip
Ingredients
*For the pretzel bites:*
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 packet instant dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp salted butter melted
- 2/3 cup baking soda for boiling the pretzels
- 1 egg for the egg wash
- Pretzel salt or coarse salt for garnish
*For the cheese dip:*
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk at room temperature
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
*For the pretzel bites:*
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, salt, and sugar. Add yeast and let it rest for 5 minutes until the yeast starts to foam.
- With the mixer on medium-low speed, add in the flour and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms onto the dough hook of the stand mixer, about 2 minutes.
- Wet your hands and remove the dough from the bowl, then rub 2-3 tablespoons of oil all over the stand mixer bowl (or a large new bowl if you prefer). Add the dough back to the oiled bowl. Cover with Saran Wrap and let it rise for 1 hour (you can turn the oven on for 3-5 minutes, make sure to turn it off, then place the bowl in the oven).
- Once the dough has risen, remove it from the oven and preheat to 450°F. Add baking soda to a large pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Cut the dough into 8 pieces and roll them out into thin ropes. Cut about 1-inch pieces. Boil batches of the pretzel bites, about 10-15 at a time, for 30 seconds.
- Transfer the pretzels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown.
*For the cheese dip:*
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add butter and melt it. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for approximately 1 minute until a thick paste is formed.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is entirely melted.
- Serve the cheese dip with the pretzel bites and enjoy the irresistible combination!