Introduction
Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack that combines a golden-brown exterior with a soft, chewy interior. Served best with a warm cheese dip, these pretzel bites make an excellent appetizer for gatherings or just a treat for yourself. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to create these delicious bites right at home.Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Pretzel Bites: – 1 cup (226 grams) warm water (100°F to 110°F) – 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) – 3 cups (362 grams) all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for the work surface – 1 teaspoon fine salt – 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing – 1/2 cup baking soda – 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons pretzel salt or flaky sea salt For the Cheese Dip: – 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour – 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard – 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper – 1 cup milk – 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese – 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, more to taste – 1 pinch salt, more to tastePrep Time
45 minutes to 1 hour (plus the time to boil and bake)Cook Time
12 to 15 minutesTotal Time
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutesYield
Makes about 24 pretzel bitesDirections
Make the Pretzel Bites: 1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir together and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. 2. Mix the Dough: Add 2 cups (240 grams) of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture and mix until smooth. 3. Knead the Dough: Add the remaining 1 cup (122 grams) of flour, fine salt, and melted butter. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead until the dough is soft and slightly tacky, about 7 minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand for about 10 minutes. 4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. 5. Prepare for Baking: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper. 6. Boil Water: Fill a large Dutch oven or other large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil over high heat. 7. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each portion into a log approximately 10 to 12 inches long, then slice each log into 1-inch pieces. Cover the pieces with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. 8. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water, reducing the heat to medium to maintain a gentle boil. Be cautious, as the baking soda will cause the water to foam up. 9. Boil the Dough Pieces: Add 9 to 10 pieces of dough to the boiling water and swirl them around for 15 seconds. 10. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer the boiled dough pieces to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart. Repeat the boiling process with the remaining dough pieces. 11. Add Salt and Bake: While the dough pieces are still damp, sprinkle them with pretzel salt or flaky sea salt to taste. Bake in the preheated oven until deep golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Make the Cheese Dip: 1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. 2. Add Flour and Spices: Stir in the all-purpose flour, dry mustard, and ground black pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is combined and fragrant, about 2 minutes. 3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Incorporate Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. 5. Season: Stir in the hot sauce and a pinch of salt, adjusting to taste. 6. Serve: Serve the cheese dip immediately alongside the warm pretzel bites. Enjoy your homemade soft pretzel bites with cheese dip!Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir together and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.Mix the Dough
Add 2 cups (240 grams) of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture and mix until smooth.Knead the Dough
Add the remaining 1 cup (122 grams) of flour, fine salt, and melted butter. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead until the dough is soft and slightly tacky, about 7 minutes. Alternatively, knead by hand for about 10 minutes.First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.Prepare for Baking
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper.Boil Water
Fill a large Dutch oven or other large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil over high heat.Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each portion into a log approximately 10 to 12 inches long, then slice each log into 1-inch pieces. Cover the pieces with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.Prepare Baking Soda Bath
Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water, reducing the heat to medium to maintain a gentle boil. Be cautious, as the baking soda will cause the water to foam up.Boil the Dough Pieces
Add 9 to 10 pieces of dough to the boiling water and swirl them around for 15 seconds.Arrange on Baking Sheets
Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer the boiled dough pieces to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart. Repeat the boiling process with the remaining dough pieces.Add Salt and Bake
While the dough pieces are still damp, sprinkle them with pretzel salt or flaky sea salt to taste. Bake in the preheated oven until deep golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes.Make the Cheese Dip
Melt Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.Add Flour and Spices
Stir in the all-purpose flour, dry mustard, and ground black pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is combined and fragrant, about 2 minutes.Add Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.Incorporate Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.Season
Stir in the hot sauce and a pinch of salt, adjusting to taste.Serve
Serve the cheese dip immediately alongside the warm pretzel bites.Notes
Tip for Yeast Activation
Ensure that the water temperature is ideal for activating the yeast. Too hot or too cold can prevent proper rising.Flour Consistency
Always reserve some flour to adjust the dough consistency as needed; it should be slightly tacky but manageable.Storage
Pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.Serving Suggestion
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices in the cheese dip for varied flavors.Cook techniques
Preparing Yeast
To activate active dry yeast, combine it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until foamy, which indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to leaven your dough.Mixing Dough
When mixing dough, alternate adding flour with other ingredients to create a uniform consistency. Mixing until smooth is crucial for a good pretzel texture.Kneading Dough
Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the pretzel bites their chewy texture. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer’s dough hook for efficiency.First Rise
Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size. This process helps develop flavor and texture.Boiling the Dough
Boiling the dough pieces in a baking soda solution is essential for achieving the characteristic pretzel flavor and unique crust. Be cautious as the baking soda will cause the water to foam.Baking
Baking the pretzel bites at a high temperature ensures that they puff up and develop a golden-brown color. Monitor closely during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.Making Cheese Dip
For a creamy cheese dip, melt butter and mix it with flour and spices before gradually adding milk. Whisk consistently to avoid lumps and create a smooth texture.FAQ
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you can skip the proofing step. Mix it directly into your dry ingredients.How do I store leftover pretzel bites?
Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate them for longer freshness.Can I freeze pretzel bites?
Yes, you can freeze them. Place cooled pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.What can I use instead of cheddar cheese for the dip?
You can substitute with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.How do I reheat pretzel bites?
Reheat pretzel bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them chewy.Conclusion
Enjoying homemade soft pretzel bites paired with a creamy cheese dip is a delightful experience. These bites are soft, chewy, and perfect for snacking, whether it’s for a game day, movie night, or any gathering with friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests and leave them wanting more.More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Enhance your pretzel bites by tossing them in garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese after baking. This savory twist adds a rich flavor that garlic lovers will adore.Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel Bites
For a sweet treat, after baking, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Serve them with a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping.Spicy Sriracha Cheese Dip
Spice things up by adding sriracha or cayenne pepper to your cheese dip. This spicy version pairs perfectly with the soft pretzels for those who love a kick.Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites
Stuff your pretzel bites with spicy buffalo chicken mixture before boiling. These bites are perfect for a party, served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.Chocolate Hazelnut Pretzel Bites
For a dessert option, stuff the pretzel bites with chocolate hazelnut spread. After baking, serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a deliciously sweet treat.
