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Crispy Ballpark Pretzel Bites Recipe Easy Homemade Snack with Creamy Cheese Sauce

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These crispy ballpark pretzel bites feature a golden, crunchy crust with a soft, chewy inside, paired perfectly with a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Ideal for game days, parties, or anytime you crave a nostalgic, comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (355ml, about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp salt, plus extra coarse salt for sprinkling
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (56g)
  • ½ cup baking soda (120g)
  • For the cheese sauce:
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
  • 2 tbsp butter (28g)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (16g)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water with sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let the dough rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  5. Prepare baking soda bath: Bring 10 cups (2.4 liters) of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
  6. Shape pretzel bites: Punch down dough, roll into a 1-inch thick rope, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 60 bites).
  7. Boil bites: Drop 8-10 pieces at a time into boiling soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
  8. Sprinkle coarse salt over wet pretzel bites and bake for 12-14 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
  9. Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  10. Serve warm: Plate pretzel bites with cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use warm water at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Do not skip the baking soda bath for authentic pretzel crust. Sprinkle salt immediately after boiling while pretzels are still wet. Watch oven closely to avoid burning. Dough can be sticky; add flour sparingly. Dough and shaped bites can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Leftovers reheat well in oven or air fryer for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, ballpark pretzels, homemade snack, cheese sauce, game day snack, easy pretzels, crispy pretzels

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/crispy-ballpark-pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-with-creamy-cheese-sauce/