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Crispy Soft Pretzel Bites with Creamy Stadium Cheese Sauce

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These crispy soft pretzel bites feature a crunchy crust and soft inside, paired perfectly with a creamy, tangy stadium cheese sauce. A nostalgic and addictive snack ideal for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (355 ml, about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • ⅔ cup baking soda (150 g)
  • 8 cups water (1.9 L)
  • Coarse sea salt, about 2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface, stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer dough hook. Add flour if sticky.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a ½ inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  7. Boil pretzel bites in baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over pretzel bites and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. For cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form roux.
  10. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and cook until thickened (3-4 minutes). Lower heat and add cheddar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and warm.
  11. Let pretzel bites cool slightly and serve warm with cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath to achieve the signature pretzel crust. Boil pretzel bites gently to avoid breaking. Whisk cheese sauce constantly on low heat to prevent separation. If sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk. Watch pretzels closely in the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, crispy pretzels, soft pretzels, cheese sauce, stadium snack, easy snack, game day food, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-soft-pretzel-bites-with-creamy-stadium-cheese-sauce-recipe-easy-snack/