Print

Pretzel Bites Recipe: Easy Game Day Trio Dips for Parties

pretzel bites recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

These tender, golden pretzel bites are the ultimate party snack—soft, chewy, and topped with coarse salt. Serve them warm with a trio of irresistible dips: cheddar cheese, honey mustard, and ranch, perfect for game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 cups water (for baking soda bath)
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt (for topping)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (cheddar dip)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (cheddar dip)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (cheddar dip)
  • 3/4 cup milk (cheddar dip)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (cheddar dip)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste (cheddar dip)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (honey mustard dip)
  • 2 tbsp honey (honey mustard dip)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (honey mustard dip)
  • 1/2 tsp white vinegar (honey mustard dip)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (ranch dip)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (ranch dip)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill, ranch dip)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (ranch dip)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (ranch dip)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste (ranch dip)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and brown sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, kosher salt, and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes or by hand for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-50 minutes until doubled.
  4. Punch down dough. Divide into 4 pieces, roll each into an 18-inch rope, and cut into 1-inch segments (about 40-48 bites).
  5. In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve.
  6. Working in batches, drop pretzel bites into boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Brush each bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake bites for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  9. For cheddar cheese dip: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until smooth.
  10. For honey mustard dip: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Chill until serving.
  11. For ranch dip: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.
  12. Serve pretzel bites warm with trio of dips.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free options include plant butter and milk alternatives. For extra-crispy bites, bake an extra minute or two. Dips can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Pretzel bites freeze well and reheat easily.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, game day snacks, party appetizer, trio dips, cheddar dip, honey mustard, ranch dip, easy pretzel recipe, homemade pretzels, vegetarian snack

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-game-day-trio-dips-for-parties/