Description
Soft, chewy homemade pretzel bites filled with gooey melted cheese, featuring a golden crust and perfect for snacks, parties, or game day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2–2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 mozzarella sticks, cut into 5 pieces each (total 20 pieces)
- Sea salt flakes, for topping
- 4.4–5 liters water (for boiling)
- ½ cup baking soda (for boiling)
- Melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine yeast, sugar, warm water, and ¾ cup flour. Mix and let yeast proof 10 minutes.
- Add vinegar, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in remaining flour. Knead 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise 10 minutes.
- Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On floured surface, divide dough into 20 balls (~40 g each). Flatten, place a piece of mozzarella in center, and roll dough over cheese to form a ball.
- Boil each batch for 30 seconds per side. Remove with slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle sea salt while wet.
- Repeat until all pretzel bites are boiled and on baking sheets.
- Bake 14–16 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Serve warm with desired dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese for flavor variations.
- Add herbs like garlic powder or rosemary to dough.
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning instead of sea salt.
- Serve with honey mustard, marinara, or ranch sauce.
- Freeze fully cooled pretzel bites with parchment layers for 1–2 months; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Snack / Appetizer
- Method: Kneading, Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: American / Snack
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
