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PRETZEL BITES with CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

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Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are soft, chewy, and buttery homemade pretzel bites paired with a creamy, sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or game day treat, these pretzel bites are addictive and easy to make!

Ingredients

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For the Pretzel Bites:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup (160g) baking soda
  • 10 cups (2.4L) water (for boiling)

For Topping:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:

 

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pretzel Dough:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
    • Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  • Shape the Pretzel Bites:

    • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts.
    • Roll each part into a 12-inch rope and cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form pretzel bites.

  • Boil the Pretzel Bites:

    • In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
    • Add the pretzel bites in batches, boiling for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.

  • Bake the Pretzel Bites:

    • Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:

    • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and melted.

  • Serve:

    • Serve the warm pretzel bites with the hot cheddar cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a kick.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the pretzel dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  • Storage: Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/pretzel-bites-with-cheddar-cheese-sauce/