Print

Pretzel Bites and Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Pretzel Bites and Jalapeño Cheese Dip
Print Recipe

Soft, salty, and cheesy pretzel bites paired with a creamy, zesty jalapeño cheese dip. Perfect for parties, game days, or any snacking occasion, these pretzel bites boast a golden crust and chewy interior, complemented by a mildly spicy cheese dip with fresh jalapeños. Simple to make with pantry staples, customizable to suit dietary preferences, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Bites Dough

  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups water (for boiling)
  • 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling water)
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Jalapeño Cheese Dip

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2–3 fresh or pickled jalapeños, diced (adjust heat as desired)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter and all-purpose flour, stirring to combine into a soft dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  2. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into bite-sized pieces roughly 1-2 inches each.
  3. Boil in Baking Soda Water: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Drop pretzel bites in batches and boil for about 30 seconds. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Bake the Pretzel Bites: Place boiled pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each piece with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  5. Make the Jalapeño Cheese Dip: While pretzels bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced jalapeños and cook for 1 minute to infuse flavor. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

  • Use warm water to properly activate the yeast for a good rise.
  • Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for the pretzel’s crust and texture.
  • For milder heat, remove jalapeño seeds or substitute with bell peppers.
  • Serve the cheese dip warm for the best flavor and texture.
  • Experiment by adding smoked paprika or garlic powder to the dip for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, jalapeño cheese dip, snack, appetizer, party food, cheesy dip, spicy dip, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/pretzel-bites-and-jalapeo-cheese-dip/