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Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip

A plate of freshly baked, golden brown pretzel bites sprinkled with coarse salt, served with a side of bright yellow cheese dip.
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Make soft and chewy homemade pretzel bites using a simple yeast dough and a baking soda bath for authentic flavor. Serve warm with a simple cheese dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water (for boiling)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt (for topping)
  • For Cheese Dip: 8 ounces processed cheese, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Prepare the boiling solution: In a large, wide pot, bring 8 cups of water and the 1/2 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil.
  7. Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into two pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick.
  8. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces. You should have about 30 to 36 bites.
  9. Working in batches, carefully drop 4 to 6 pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Do not overcrowd the pot.
  10. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  11. Brush the tops of the bites lightly with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle immediately with coarse salt.
  12. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown.
  13. While the pretzels bake, prepare the dip: Melt the cheese, milk, and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  14. Serve the warm pretzel bites immediately with the cheese dip.

Notes

  • For a sweeter variation, skip the salt topping and toss the baked bites in cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon).
  • If you prefer a faster method, you can substitute the homemade dough with refrigerated biscuit dough, cutting the biscuits into quarters before boiling.
  • You can substitute the coarse salt with garlic powder and dried parsley for a savory flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/easy-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe/