Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pretzel bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—warm, pillowy soft on the inside with a slight chew and a golden crust on the outside. They’re easier to make than full-sized pretzels and ideal for dipping. Paired with a rich cheese sauce, they’re the ultimate comfort food that’s fun to eat and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pretzel bites:

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Baking soda (for boiling)
• Butter (melted, for brushing)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

For the cheese dip:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper
• Mustard or garlic powder (optional, for flavor)

Directions

To make the pretzel bites:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add salt and flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Divide dough into sections, roll into ropes, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
6. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds.
7. Remove with a slotted spoon, place on baking sheet, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.

To make the cheese dip:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard or garlic powder. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 40 pretzel bites and 1 cup of cheese dip (serves 6–8).
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Cheese Dip: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Beer Cheese Dip: Replace some of the milk with beer for deeper flavor.
• Sweet Pretzel Bites: Skip the salt, brush with butter, and toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Wrap dough around small cheese cubes before baking.
• Garlic Butter Finish: Toss baked bites in garlic butter and Parmesan for an extra savory touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Refrigerate cheese dip separately in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed.
Pretzel bites can be frozen after baking. Reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, refrigerated pizza dough can be used for a shortcut, though homemade gives the best texture.

Why boil the dough before baking?

Boiling with baking soda creates the signature chewy texture and deep golden color of pretzels.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it before shaping and boiling.

What kind of cheese works best for the dip?

Sharp cheddar melts well and offers great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, gouda, or fontina.

Can I bake without boiling?

Boiling is essential for authentic pretzel texture, but you can skip it if needed—the bites will be more like soft rolls.

How do I keep pretzel bites soft?

Store them in an airtight container and reheat before serving. Brushing with butter also helps retain moisture.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze baked pretzel bites and reheat in the oven. Cheese dip is best made fresh, though it can be reheated with added milk.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend, but note that texture may vary. Check that your baking soda and cheese are gluten-free.

Can I make mini versions for kids?

Yes, make smaller dough ropes and cut into smaller bites—great for tiny hands!

What other dips go well with pretzel bites?

Try honey mustard, ranch, spicy aioli, or even chocolate sauce for sweet versions.

Conclusion

Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack—crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a creamy, cheesy dip that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game day, family gathering, or just craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe delivers big flavor in every bite.

Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip are golden, chewy soft pretzel nuggets served with a creamy cheddar cheese dip—perfect for snacking, game day, or parties.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1 hour rising)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 40 pretzel bites + 1 cup dip
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

[object Object]

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

[object Object]

Notes

Boiling the dough in baking soda water is key for authentic pretzel texture.,You can prep the dough a day ahead and refrigerate before shaping.,Reheat pretzels in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (5 bites + dip)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg