Craving something savory, warm, and irresistible? These stuffed pretzel bites hit the spot every time. Soft, doughy, and filled with cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for game nights or just a cozy snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: If you’ve ever had a soft pretzel and wished for a bit more flavor, these stuffed pretzel bites are for you! The fluffy, warm dough wraps around gooey cheese (or your filling of choice), giving you that perfect bite every time. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make right at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re planning a movie night or preparing for a fun gathering, these little bites are sure to impress.
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below):
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Unsalted butter
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite!)
- Optional: garlic butter for brushing
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, mix in your flour and salt to form the dough. Knead for a few minutes until the dough is smooth, and then cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the pretzel bites
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten them out. Add a cube of cheese to the center, fold the dough over, and pinch the edges to seal it shut. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed!
Step 3: Boil the bites
Now comes the fun part. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add in the baking soda. Drop the stuffed dough bites into the water for about 30 seconds each. This step gives them that signature pretzel texture! Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; do it in batches if needed.
Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
Place the boiled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. If you want to take them over the top, brush them with melted butter or garlic butter right after baking!
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- If you want a smoother dough, let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- If you’re not into cheese, you can stuff them with other fillings like pepperoni or even chocolate for a sweet twist!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions:
- For a spicy kick, try stuffing the pretzel bites with jalapeños along with the cheese.
- Swap in a different type of cheese like gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions: These stuffed pretzel bites are perfect on their own with a side of mustard or cheese dip. They also pair beautifully with a cold beer, or even a refreshing iced tea if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option. For an appetizer platter, you could serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or even a tangy buffalo sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips: These stuffed pretzel bites are best served fresh out of the oven, but they do store well for a day or two. Simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
4 FAQs:
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and even stuff the bites ahead of time. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let them come to room temperature before boiling and baking.
- Can I freeze these stuffed pretzel bites? Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- What other fillings can I use for the pretzel bites? You can get creative! Try adding cooked sausage, pepperoni, or even vegetables like spinach and artichoke. Sweet options like Nutella or peanut butter could be fun for dessert pretzels!
- How do I keep the cheese from leaking out? Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly around the cheese before boiling them. If you’re worried about leaks, you can chill the stuffed pretzel bites in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before boiling to help them hold their shape.
Conclusion: These stuffed pretzel bites are everything you could want in a snack—cheesy, doughy, and totally addicting. With just a few simple steps, you can make them at home and enjoy them fresh out of the oven. Perfect for any occasion, these bites will be gone in no time, so make sure to grab a few before they disappear!
PrintYou Won’t Believe How Easy These Stuffed Pretzel Bites Are to Make!
Craving something savory, warm, and irresistible? These stuffed pretzel bites hit the spot every time. Soft, doughy, and filled with cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for game nights or just a cozy snack!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (includes boiling and baking)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising time)
- Yield: 16 stuffed pretzel bites 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
- Optional: garlic butter for brushing
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
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Dissolve the yeast and brown sugar in warm water, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Mix in the flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until smooth, then cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Pretzel Bites:
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Punch the dough down and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball, flatten it, and add a cube of cheese in the center. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal the cheese inside.
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Boil the Bites:
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Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the baking soda. Drop the stuffed bites into the water for about 30 seconds each (boil in batches if needed). This gives them that classic pretzel texture!
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Bake to Golden Perfection:
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Place the boiled bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
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Optionally, brush with melted butter or garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
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Notes
- To make the dough smoother, let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- You can stuff the pretzels with fillings like pepperoni, sausage, or even sweet options like chocolate or Nutella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pretzel bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg