How do I make ooey-gooey cheese-filled pretzel bites?

Learn the secrets of creating irresistibly cheesy pretzel bites that are warm, soft, and oh-so-addictive. Perfect for parties or a fun snack!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make ooey-gooey Cheese-filled Pretzel Bites. Items include: All-Purpose Flour Salt Sugar Active Dry Yeast Water Shredded Cheddar Cheese Cream Cheese Garlic Powder Black Pepper Baking Soda Egg Coarse Salt

All-Purpose Flour 2 and 1/2 cups
Salt 1 teaspoon
Sugar 1 teaspoon
Active Dry Yeast 2 and 1/4 teaspoons
Water 1 cup (warm)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1 and 1/2 cups
Cream Cheese 1/2 cup
Garlic Powder pinch
Black Pepper pinch
Baking Soda 1/4 cup
Egg 1
Coarse Salt to taste

Take note
Caution: Be careful when working with boiling water and hot ovens. Also, be prepared for cheesy goodness overload!

1

Prepare the Pretzel Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. In a separate small bowl, dissolve 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

2

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This gives the dough time to develop its delicious flavor and create a soft texture.

3

Prepare the Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, it's time to prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix together 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of cream cheese. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder and black pepper for an extra kick of flavor. Set the cheese filling aside.

4

Shape the Pretzel Bites

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, cut the log into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in width.

5

Boil the Pretzel Bites

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water. Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water and let them cook for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6

Bake and Enjoy!

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the pretzel bites, then sprinkle them with coarse salt or your favorite seasoning. Bake the pretzel bites for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before devouring. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!