Cheese Pretzel Bites

Course Appetizer, Bread, Snacks

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword cheese-stuffed-pretzel-bites, pretzel-bites

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Rise time 1

Total Time 1 35

Servings pretzel bites

Calories 35kcal

Ingredients

1 cup warm whole milk (105-110°F)
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 (0.25 oz) packet rapid rise yeast
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour plus additional for kneading
2 Tbsp salted butter melted
1 tsp salt
12 oz block sharp cheddar cheese (yellow) to equal 48 cubed pieces
8 cups water
1/2 cup baking soda
1 large egg beaten with `Tbsp cold water (egg wash)
coarse sea salt
mustard or cheese dip for serving

Instructions

Pour milk into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture. Let stand 5-10 minutes until frothy. If it doesn't foam, throw it out and start over.
Add 2 1/2 cups flour, butter and salt. Stir until fully combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes or until a soft dough forms, adding additional flour as needed. Dough should remain slightly sticky. (Alternately, use a stand mixer to knead the dough.)
Use vegetable oil to lightly grease a large mixing bowl. Add dough to bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until double in size.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Spray two large baking sheets with cooking spray or oil.
Punch dough down. Turn out onto a clean, dry work surface. Divide dough into 8 portions. Roll each to a 12-inch rope. Cut each rope into 6 portions. Flatten each portion to a 3-inch circle.
Top each circle with one cube of cheese. Bring up edges of each circle around cheese and pinch to seal and shape into a ball.
In a 4-quart pot or larger, heat water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Use a slotted spoon to carefully lower pretzel balls, in batches, into the soda mixture cooking for 10 seconds each. Remove and place on paper towels to blot dry.
Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Brush pretzels balls with egg wash. Sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with mustard, beer cheese dip, pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

You'll need one 8 ounce block of cheese plus half of another 8 ounce block of cheese for this recipe.

Nutrition