Warm Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites (Print View)

Golden pretzel bites with a gooey cheesy center, brushed with egg wash and finished with a touch of sea salt.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Boiling Solution

07 - 10 cups water
08 - 2/3 cup baking soda

→ Filling

09 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Topping

10 - 1 large egg, beaten
11 - Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

# Directions:

01 - Combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
02 - Mix in all-purpose flour, salt, and melted unsalted butter. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer on medium speed for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
03 - Transfer dough to a clean bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Divide dough into pieces about 1 1/2 inches in size. Flatten each piece, place shredded cheddar cheese in the center, and pinch edges to seal, forming a tight ball.
05 - In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil.
06 - Gently drop several pretzel bites into the boiling solution for 30 seconds each, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
07 - Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
09 - Enjoy warm with your preferred dipping sauces.

# Notes:

01 - Allowing the dough to fully rise produces a more tender, chewy bite.