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Pretzel Bites with Sharp Cheddar Sauce

Pretzel Bites with Sharp Cheddar Sauce
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Soft pretzel bites served with a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for snacking or appetizers.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water (for boiling)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
  2. Stir in salt and gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the 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 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
  7. Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  8. Drop pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Brush the pretzel bites with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. While the pretzels bake, prepare the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  12. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened.
  13. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard, and garlic powder until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  14. Serve pretzel bites warm with the sharp cheddar sauce.

Notes

  • For extra chewy pretzels, increase boiling time to 45 seconds.
  • If you don’t have coarse sea salt, regular salt can be used, but coarse salt gives a better texture.
  • Leftover pretzel bites can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
  • The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenvan.com/pretzel-bites-with-sharp-cheddar-sauce/