Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese

Indulge in the delightful world of soft pretzel bites, a snack that's both fun to make and satisfying to eat. Perfectly paired with a creamy cheese sauce, these bites are an inviting treat for family get-togethers or a cozy evening at home. With a crispy golden crust and a soft, chewy interior, they are irresistible.

Ingredients

For Soft Pretzel Bites:
🥣 6 cups of flour
💧 2 cups of warm water
🍞 1/2 tablespoon of yeast
🍬 1 tablespoon of sugar
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🧈 6 tablespoons of melted butter
💧 8 cups of water (for boiling)
🥄 1/4 cup of baking soda
❌ Kosher salt (for sprinkling)
🥚 1 egg (for brushing the tops)
💧 1 tablespoon water (to mix with the egg)

For Cheese Sauce:
🧈 2 tablespoons of butter
🌾 2 tablespoons of flour
🥛 1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk
🧀 6 to 8 oz of cheddar cheese

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of warm water, 1/2 tablespoon of yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and 6 cups of flour.
• Stir until a dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

2- Shape the Dough:

• Lightly flour the surface and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece into a small ball, then shape each ball into a log. Cut the logs into bite-sized pieces.

3- Boil Pre-boil the Pretzels:

• Boil 8 cups of water and add 1/4 cup of baking soda.
• Carefully add the pretzel pieces and boil them for 30 to 40 seconds. Remove from water and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4- Prepare for Baking:

• Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
• Brush this egg wash over each pretzel bite. Sprinkle with Kosher salt.

5- Bake:

• Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Bake the pretzels for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

6- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about a minute while stirring. Slowly whisk in 1 can of evaporated milk, ensuring no clumps remain.
• Once the sauce thickens, turn off the heat, and add 6 to 8 oz of cheddar cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

7- Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the warm pretzel bites with the cheese sauce on the side and enjoy!

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: Makes 8 servings
Equipment: Large bowl, saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper
Nutrition per Serving:

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 15g
• Fats: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 60g

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
• Avoid over-boiling to maintain the soft texture of the pretzels.
• For a sharper cheese sauce, consider using mature cheddar.

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Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce