Description
Warm Pretzel Bites Loaded with Gooey Melted Cheese are fluffy, bite-sized pretzels with a gooey cheese center, perfect for gatherings or movie nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it turns foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour, stirring until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour, until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water along with the baking soda to a rolling boil.
- On a floured surface, turn the dough out and divide it into small pieces, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower 6-8 pretzel bites at a time into the boiling water. Boil them for 30 seconds on each side, then remove with the slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush the tops of each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown.
- While the pretzel bites are baking, mix the shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring until melted and gooey.
- Serve the warm pretzel bites drizzled with the melted cheese or on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure the dough rises in a warm environment. Customize the cheese filling with your favorite herbs or spices for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg