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Cheese Pretzel Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

These Cheese Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and filled with sharp cheddar cheese, making for the perfect savory snack or appetizer. The dough is enriched with butter and milk, boiled briefly in baking soda water to develop a classic pretzel crust, then baked to a golden brown. Topped with coarse sea salt and brushed with melted butter, these bites are irresistibly delicious and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (105-110°F)
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (room temperature)
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces Cabot sharp cheddar cheese (cut into ½” cubes)

Boiling

  • 4 quarts water
  • ½ cup baking soda

Topping

  • Coarse sea salt (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: Combine yeast, warm water, and brown sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir gently and let stand for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare butter mixture: While the yeast proofs, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then mix in the room temperature milk. Set aside.
  3. Mix dough base: Once the yeast is proofed, add the butter and milk mixture to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed using the dough hook until just combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Add salt and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix with the dough hook until the flour is fully incorporated.
  5. Knead the dough: Continue kneading in the mixer until the dough forms a slightly tacky but firm ball. If too sticky, add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time, being careful not to make it too dry.
  6. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough ball inside, and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  7. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking pan and set aside.
  8. Prepare cheese: Chop the sharp cheddar into 16 equal ½” cubes and set aside. There will be some leftover cheese.
  9. Deflate dough and portion: Remove the dough from the bowl and gently press out the air bubbles. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions, about 50 grams each, using a food scale for accuracy.
  10. Prepare baking soda water: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Slowly add the baking soda a little at a time to prevent splashing or overflow.
  11. Shape pretzel bites: Flatten each dough portion into a round, flat disc. Place one cube of cheese in the center, then fold the dough around the cheese and pinch the seams tightly to form a smooth ball, ensuring no cheese can leak out.
  12. Boil pretzel bites: Immediately drop each pretzel bite into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 60 seconds on each side, turning once to ensure even coverage. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and drain excess water.
  13. Salt the bites: Place the boiled pretzel bites onto the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle coarse sea salt over them to taste.
  14. Repeat boiling and salting: Boil and salt all remaining pretzel bites in batches of 8 to prevent rising before baking.
  15. Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. They are done when golden brown and they slightly bounce back when pressed.
  16. Brush with butter: Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with melted butter for a rich finish.
  17. Cool and serve: Transfer the pretzel bites to a wire rack to cool just enough to handle. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Use a food scale to portion dough evenly for uniform baking and cheese distribution.
  • Do not let the pretzel bites rise after shaping to ensure they hold their shape and have the correct texture.
  • Adding baking soda carefully to boiling water prevents violent bubbling or spills.
  • If dough feels too sticky during kneading, add flour sparingly to avoid dry pretzels.
  • Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for enhanced flavor and a beautiful shiny finish.

Keywords: Cheese Pretzel Bites, Soft Pretzels, Cheddar Cheese Snacks, Homemade Pretzels, Appetizer

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/cheese-pretzel-bites-recipe/