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Warm Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites

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These warm gooey cheesy pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and stuffed with melted cheese. They’re easy to make at home and perfect for parties, snacks, or game-day treats. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy bakery-style pretzel bites straight from your oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup shredded or cubed cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred blend)
  • ½ cup baking soda (for water bath)
  • 5 cups water (for boiling)
  • Coarse salt (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough:
    Stir in melted butter and salt. Gradually add 2 ½ cups flour, mixing well after each addition. Add more flour as needed to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  3. Knead the dough:
    Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.
  4. Let it rise:
    Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare cheese:
    While dough rises, cut or shred cheese into small pieces suitable for stuffing.
  6. Shape pretzel bites:
    Punch down dough. Divide into 4 sections. Roll each into a rope about ½ inch thick. Cut into 1 ½-inch pieces. Flatten each piece, add cheese in the center, and seal tightly.
  7. Make baking soda bath:
    In a large pot, bring 5 cups water to a boil. Add baking soda carefully. Reduce to a gentle simmer.
  8. Boil bites:
    Add 6–8 bites at a time to the water bath. Simmer for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Add toppings:
    Sprinkle with coarse salt while still damp.
  10. Bake:
    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake bites for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Finish:
    Brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter immediately after baking.

Notes

Make sure cheese is fully enclosed in dough to prevent leakage.

Use shredded cheese for easier sealing and a gooier texture.

Optional: Mix garlic powder or dried herbs into the dough for extra flavor.

For crispier bites, bake an extra 2–3 minutes.