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Pretzel Bites With Jalapeno Cheese Dip

These pretzel bites with jalapeno cheese dip are the perfect cozy treat! They’re lightly spiced and great for breakfast or as a snack. I’m sharing simple steps to make soft, flavorful pretzel bites with domed tops and a tasty jalapeno cheese dip.

pretzel bites with jalapeno cheese dip

I’ve made recipes with jalapeno cheese before, like my Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls, but these pretzel bites with jalapeño cheese dip have a special place in my heart. They’re the perfect mix of bold flavors and comforting goodness!

pretzel bites with jalapeno cheese dip

Making pretzel bites from scratch is easier than you think! The dough is simple to prepare, and the baking soda bath gives them their signature chewy texture. Pair them with the cheesy, slightly spicy dip, and you’ll have a winning combination that everyone will love.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level in the cheese dip to suit your taste or experiment with different toppings for the pretzel bites, such as sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning. Once you try making these at home, you’ll skip the store-bought versions forever.

How to do you make Pretzel Bites With Jalapeno Cheese Dip

Step One : Make the Pretzel Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: Add the salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.


Step Two: Shape and Boil the Pretzel Bites

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
Prepare the Water Bath: Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
Boil the Pretzel Bites: Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water, a few at a time, for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.


Step Three: Bake the Pretzel Bites

Add Toppings: Brush the boiled dough pieces with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.


Step Four: Make the Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Make the Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
Add the Cheese and Jalapeño: Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the diced jalapeño and season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Transfer the cheese dip to a serving bowl and enjoy it warm with the pretzel bites.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Small saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large pot

Tips For Making the Best The Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Boil the Pretzels: The baking soda bath is essential for the chewy texture and golden brown color of the pretzels.

Use Warm Water for Yeast: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Reheat Pretzel Bites: Warm leftover pretzels in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to refresh their texture.

pretzel bites with jalapeno cheese dip

What to Eat with The Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Pretzel Bites with Jalapeño Cheese Dip are amazing on their own, but they pair well with:

  • Soup: Tomato soup or chili for a hearty and comforting combo.
  • Wings: Buffalo or BBQ wings for the ultimate game-day spread.
  • Nachos: Serve alongside loaded nachos for an extra cheesy experience.

FAQ

How do I make the dip less spicy?

Use half a jalapeño or omit it entirely for a milder cheese dip.

Can I add other toppings to the pretzel bites?

Absolutely! Try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.

How long does the dough need to rise?

Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Can I make gluten-free pretzel bites?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast baking.

Pretzel Bites With Jalapeno Cheese Dip

Recipe by MahaCourse: Appetizers, SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Moderate
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

1

hour 
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

250

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Pretzel Bites with Jalapeño Cheese Dip are soft, golden pretzel pieces paired with a creamy, spicy cheese dip. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun snack at home!

  • For the Pretzel Bites:

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 10 cups water (for boiling)

  • 2/3 cup baking soda

  • Coarse salt, for sprinkling

  • For the Jalapeño Cheese Dip:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced (adjust for spice level)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Step One : Make the Pretzel Dough
  • Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  • Mix the Dough: Add the salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a dough forms.
  • Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Step Two: Shape and Boil the Pretzel Bites
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Prepare the Water Bath: Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  • Boil the Pretzel Bites: Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water, a few at a time, for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Step Three: Bake the Pretzel Bites
  • Add Toppings: Brush the boiled dough pieces with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  • Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
  • Step Four: Make the Jalapeño Cheese Dip
  • Make the Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
  • Add the Cheese and Jalapeño: Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the diced jalapeño and season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve: Transfer the cheese dip to a serving bowl and enjoy it warm with the pretzel bites.

Notes

  • Use Warm Water for Yeast Activation: Ensure the water is around 110°F to activate the yeast properly. Too hot or too cold water can affect the dough's rise.
  • Adjust Jalapeño Heat: Add more or less jalapeño to the cheese dip depending on your spice tolerance. For a smoky flavor, try roasted jalapeños.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
  • Experiment with Toppings: Instead of coarse salt, try sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
  • Serve Fresh: Pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm and fresh. If reheating, use an oven for the best texture instead of a microwave.
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Maha
Maha

I’m Maha, the chef in our little kitchen, and David, well, he’s the taste-tester extraordinaire. Plus, we’ve got a pint-sized tornado, our two-year-old, keeping things lively...