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Cheese Pretzel Bites (Printable Version)

Melty cheese-filled pretzel bites, soft inside and golden outside. Ideal for snacking or sharing warm.

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Boiling

06 - 1/2 cup baking soda

→ Assembly

07 - 1 egg, beaten
08 - Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
09 - 1 cup cheese cubes (cheddar or preferred variety)
10 - 1/4 cup melted butter, for brushing

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
02 - Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
05 - Punch down the dough, roll it into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle, and cut into 2x2-inch squares. Place a cheese cube in each, fold corners over, and seal tightly into balls.
06 - Bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon to the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Brush bites with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter after baking and serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure water is between 110°F and 115°F to properly activate yeast.
02 - The baking soda boil step is crucial for creating authentic pretzel texture.
03 - Pretzel bites can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven.