If you’re craving the perfect snack that’s soft, chewy, and downright irresistible, these Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce are calling your name! These little bites of golden-brown perfection are perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want to treat yourself to a homemade snack.

Paired with a creamy, melty cheddar cheese sauce, they’re a match made in snack heaven. Plus, they’re much easier to make than you might think—don’t be intimidated by the idea of making pretzels at home! Let’s dive into this fun, delicious recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Pretzel Bites

• Soft and Chewy: These pretzel bites have the perfect texture, with a golden crust and a tender interior.
• Fun to Make: The process of shaping and boiling the dough is simple and satisfying.
• Cheese Sauce Heaven: The creamy cheddar sauce takes these bites to the next level of indulgence.
• Perfect for Sharing: They’re a great snack for parties, game nights, or any gathering.

What Do Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce Taste Like?

The pretzel bites are soft, warm, and perfectly salty, with a slight sweetness from the brown sugar in the dough. Paired with a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, every bite is a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and satisfying. They’re like your favorite mall pretzels, but even better because they’re homemade!

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Bites:

• Water (1½ cups, lukewarm)
• Instant rise yeast (2¼ teaspoons, or one ¼ oz packet)
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted)
• Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)

• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Flour (4 cups)
• Baking soda (½ cup, for boiling)
• Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash)
• Water (½ tablespoon, to mix with the egg)

For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:

• Butter (2 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
• Whole milk (1 cup, warm)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground mustard (optional, ½ teaspoon, for extra flavor)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (for the dough and egg wash).
• A stand mixer with a dough hook (or mix and knead by hand).
• A large pot (for boiling the pretzel bites).
• Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper).
• A whisk and saucepan (for making the cheese sauce).
• A slotted spoon (to remove pretzel bites from boiling water).

How to Make Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the lukewarm water and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt, and mix to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed (or with a wooden spoon). Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Bites

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a long rope, about ½ inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized pretzels.

Step 4: Boil the Pretzel Bites

1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir to dissolve (be careful, as it may bubble up).
2. Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and ½ tablespoon of water.
2. Brush the egg wash over each pretzel bite to give them a shiny, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you make the cheese sauce.

How to Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Make a Roux

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

Step 2: Add Milk and Cheese

1. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
3. Season with salt and add ground mustard if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Place the warm pretzel bites on a serving platter with the cheddar cheese sauce in a small bowl for dipping. These bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm but are still delicious at room temperature!

Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bites

• Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water is what gives them their classic chewy texture and deep golden-brown crust.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast isn’t expired for the best dough rise.
• Customize Toppings: Sprinkle the pretzel bites with coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before baking for a unique twist.
• Keep the Cheese Sauce Warm: Serve the cheese sauce immediately after making, or keep it warm over low heat. If it thickens, stir in a splash of milk.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked pretzel bites after boiling but before baking. When ready to bake, thaw, apply egg wash, and bake as directed.
• Reheat: Warm pretzel bites in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their texture. Reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough after kneading for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a spicy pepper jack for a flavorful twist on the cheese sauce.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

For vegan pretzel bites, use plant-based butter and skip the egg wash (or use a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup). For the cheese sauce, use a dairy-free shredded cheese and plant-based milk.

What if I don’t have baking soda?

Unfortunately, the baking soda bath is essential for achieving the signature pretzel texture and flavor. It’s worth making a quick trip to the store if you don’t have any on hand!

Conclusion

There you have it—soft, chewy Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce that are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or simply craving a delicious snack, these pretzel bites are guaranteed to impress.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more fun snack ideas, check out my homemade soft pretzels or cheesy garlic breadsticks—you won’t be disappointed!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Enjoy every warm, cheesy bite of these pretzel bites—they’re pure snack perfection! 🥨🧀