Easy Soft Pretzel Bites With Cheese
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water (for the bath)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast – Combine the warm water, sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise.
- Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough – Add the melted butter and the flour to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and clears the side of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
- Step 3: Let the Dough Rise – Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 to 45 minutes. It should double in size during this time.
- Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites – Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly oiled surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20 inches long. Use a bench scraper or knife to cut the ropes into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Step 5: The Baking Soda Bath – Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Drop the pretzel bites into the water in batches (about 10 at a time) for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Step 6: Brush and Bake – Brush the top of each boiled bite with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown.
- Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Sauce – While the pretzels bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese and paprika until smooth and melted.