Save Soft, golden pretzel bites filled with gooey cheese and brushed with aromatic garlic butter—perfect for snacking or parties.
I loved sharing these cheesy pretzel bites with my family during game nights and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/4 cups (410 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C), 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet 7 g) active dry yeast, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 tbsp (13 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp (6 g) salt
- Cheese Filling: 6 oz (170 g) mozzarella cheese cut into 32 small cubes, 4 oz (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese cut into 32 small cubes
- Pretzel Bath: 1/2 cup (120 g) baking soda, 8 cups (2 L) water
- Garlic Butter Topping: 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter melted, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley finely chopped, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture:
- In a large bowl combine warm water sugar and yeast Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy
- Make Dough:
- Add melted butter and salt Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms
- Knead Dough:
- Knead dough by hand or with a mixer for 57 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Let Dough Rise:
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place for 3040 minutes or until doubled in size
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- Form Bites:
- Divide risen dough into 32 equal pieces Flatten each piece place a cube of mozzarella and cheddar in the center and pinch edges to seal
- Prepare Pretzel Bath:
- In a large pot bring 8 cups water to a boil Carefully add baking soda (it will foam)
- Boil Pretzel Bites:
- In batches gently drop pretzel bites into the soda bath for 2030 seconds Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets
- Bake:
- Bake for 1215 minutes or until deep golden brown
- Prepare Garlic Butter:
- While baking mix melted butter minced garlic parsley and salt
- Brush and Serve:
- Brush hot pretzel bites with garlic butter immediately after baking Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired Serve warm
Pin it Cooking and sharing these pretzel bites created joyful memories around our kitchen table.
Notes
For a spicy kick add a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Stand mixer (optional) Measuring cups and spoons Sharp knife Slotted spoon Large pot Baking sheets Parchment paper Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) milk (cheese butter parmesan) May contain traces of nuts or soy if present in cheese or butter—always check product labels
Pin it These cheesy pretzel bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cheeses work best for the filling?
Mozzarella and sharp cheddar provide a gooey, flavorful center, but melty cheeses like gouda or fontina can be great alternatives.
- → Why dip the dough in a baking soda bath?
The baking soda bath creates the distinctive pretzel crust by triggering a Maillard reaction, resulting in a deep golden brown color and slight chewiness.
- → Can these be made ahead and reheated?
Yes, pretzel bites can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain freshness.
- → How do I get the garlic butter topping to infuse flavor?
Melted butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley, and salt is brushed on warm pretzel bites immediately after baking, ensuring the garlic aroma and richness absorb well.
- → Can I add spice to these pretzel bites?
Adding a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter adds a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the cheese and garlic flavors.