Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip (Printable)

Soft, golden pretzel bites paired with creamy cheddar-mozzarella dip

# What You Need:

→ Pretzel Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup warm water (110°F)
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Boiling & Topping

07 - 1/2 cup baking soda
08 - 8 cups water
09 - 1 egg, beaten
10 - Coarse sea salt

→ Cheese Dip

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
15 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
16 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - Salt and pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until foamy, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Stir melted butter and salt into yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm area for 1 hour until doubled.
04 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
05 - Bring 8 cups water and baking soda to boil in large pot.
06 - Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each into 18-inch rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
07 - Drop dough pieces in batches into boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
08 - Brush each piece with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
09 - Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
10 - Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
11 - Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
12 - Add cheeses, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
13 - Serve pretzel bites warm with cheese dip.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The boiling step gives these pretzel bites that unmistakable chewy exterior and soft interior you crave from mall pretzels
  • The cheese dip comes together in minutes and creates the ultimate salty creamy combination
02 -
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath because this step is what actually creates the pretzel flavor and signature chewy crust
  • The dough will puff up slightly in the boiling water so do not overcrowd the pot or the temperature will drop too much
03 -
  • Use a kitchen scale to weigh your flour because too much flour will make the pretzels tough instead of pillowy
  • Let the pretzel bites cool for at least 5 minutes before serving so the crust has time to set properly
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