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easy pretzel bites recipe
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 40 pieces 1x
- Diet: general
Description
These homemade pretzel bites feature a soft, chewy texture and a molten, savory surprise inside: a gooey filling of garlic-herb cheese. This easy recipe offers clear steps to achieve classic pretzel flavor and texture, perfect for a game day appetizer or movie night snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or unsalted butter, softened
- 8 cups water, for bath
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and fine sea salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and Rise Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, incorporating the softened shortening or butter until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: While dough rises, mix shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley flakes in a separate small bowl until combined.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape and Fill: Punch down risen dough and roll into a 16×10 inch rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into approximately 40 squares (1.5×1.5 inches each). Place 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center of each square, pinch the four corners firmly over the filling to seal, then gently roll into a ball.
- Boil Bites: Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a wide pot. Slowly whisk in the baking soda (it will foam). Working in small batches, drop the bites into the simmering bath for 20-30 seconds, flipping halfway through.
- Bake Bites: Remove boiled bites with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle immediately with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until deeply golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately brush the baked bites with melted unsalted butter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
To properly seal the filling and prevent leakage during baking, pinch the corners of the dough firmly over the cheese, then gently roll the ball between your palms to smooth the seam. For enhanced flavor, you can let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight instead of on the counter.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: pretzel bites, stuffed pretzels, cheese, snack, appetizer, game day, homemade, easy recipe, baking soda bath
