Indulge in the ultimate snack with these Triple Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites! Soft pretzel dough is filled with a delicious blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy center that pairs perfectly with the pretzel’s salty crust. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a snack break, or looking for a fun weekend treat, these bites are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Triple Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites combine the best of both worlds—soft, warm pretzels and a cheesy center. The dough is perfectly chewy, and the cheesy filling is smooth and gooey, creating the ultimate comfort food. With just the right amount of salt from the coarse sea salt topping, these pretzel bites are as satisfying as they are delicious. They’re easy to make, customizable with different fillings or seasonings, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 ½ cups warm water (110°F – 115°F)
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Coarse sea salt (for topping)
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Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon dried herbs for extra flavor
Directions
Activate the Yeast:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Make the Dough:
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Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
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In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese until smooth. You can also season with garlic powder and dried herbs if desired for added flavor.
Shape the Pretzel Bites:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disk, place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center, and fold the dough around the filling, sealing it tightly. Roll it into a ball.
Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
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In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a gentle boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop the stuffed pretzel bites into the boiling water, no more than 4 or 5 at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Egg Wash:
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Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt on top.
Bake:
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
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Let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy while warm!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 16 pretzel bites
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Prep Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Different Cheeses: You can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.
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Herbed Bites: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough or cheese filling for a fresh flavor.
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Sweet Option: For a sweet twist, fill the pretzel bites with a chocolate hazelnut spread and top with sugar and cinnamon.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their softness and warmth.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Let it rise and then refrigerate it. Before shaping, let the dough come to room temperature.
2. Can I freeze these pretzel bites?
Yes, freeze the unbaked stuffed pretzel bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, boil and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I use a different kind of filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other fillings like pepperoni, ham, or even spinach and artichoke for a savory variation.
4. What kind of salt should I use for topping?
Coarse sea salt or kosher salt works best to provide a crunchy, salty topping. Avoid fine salt, as it will dissolve too quickly.
5. Can I skip the baking soda bath?
For best results, don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives the pretzel bites their signature texture and golden color.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may differ slightly.
7. How do I know when the pretzel bites are done?
The pretzel bites are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
8. Can I add some spice to the cheese filling?
Yes, adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese filling will give the pretzel bites a spicy kick.
9. Can I make these pretzel bites bigger or smaller?
Yes, adjust the size of the dough balls to your liking. Larger bites will require slightly more baking time.
10. Can I use pre-made pizza dough for these?
While homemade dough yields the best texture, pre-made pizza dough can be used in a pinch if you’re short on time.
Conclusion
These Triple Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites are a perfect combination of warm, soft pretzel dough and gooey, melty cheese. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, they are sure to be a hit. With their customizable filling options and irresistible texture, these pretzel bites will become a new favorite in your snack rotation. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a side of mustard or cheese sauce for the ultimate indulgence!
Print
Triple Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate snack with Triple Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites! These soft, homemade pretzel dough bites are filled with gooey mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, creating the perfect bite-sized treat. Whether for a party, movie night, or just a savory snack, these pretzel bites are sure to impress with their cheesy, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 pretzel bites
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F – 115°F)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Cheese Filling:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
For the Topping:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Optional:
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Make the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese until smooth. You can also add garlic powder and dried herbs for extra flavor, if desired.
Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disk, place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center, and fold the dough around the filling, sealing it tightly. Roll it into a ball.
Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a gentle boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop the stuffed pretzel bites into the boiling water, no more than 4 or 5 at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Egg Wash:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt on top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
Let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
Dipping Sauces: Serve these pretzel bites with a side of mustard, cheese sauce, or marinara for dipping.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations or add in cooked bacon or herbs for extra flavor.
Storage: Leftover pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore their crunch.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American