Description
These soft baked ham cheese pretzel bites are perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a soft pretzel crust with melty cheese and savory ham inside. They are easy to make, customizable, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ⅓ cup (80g) baking soda
- 1 tablespoon (15g) salt
- 4 tablespoons (55g) melted butter
- 8 ounces (225g) deli ham, chopped into small pieces
- 8 ounces (225g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Proof the yeast: Warm the water to about 110°F (43°C). Pour into a large bowl and sprinkle in the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Mix and knead the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and about 3 cups (375g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining flour until dough pulls away from bowl sides and is soft but not sticky. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Prepare baking soda bath: Bring 10 cups (2.4 liters) of water to a boil in a large pot. Stir in baking soda carefully, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Shape pretzel bites: Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface into a ½ inch thick rectangle. Sprinkle chopped ham and shredded cheddar evenly over dough. Roll tightly into a log, pinch seam to seal, and slice into 1-inch pieces (about 24-28 bites).
- Boil pretzel bites: Using a slotted spoon, drop bites into simmering baking soda bath. Boil for 30 seconds per side, then remove and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Egg wash and bake: Brush each bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before serving. Serve warm with mustard or favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
[‘Do not skip the baking soda bath to achieve the authentic pretzel crust.’, ‘Keep dough soft but not sticky by adding flour gradually.’, ‘Roll dough tightly to keep ham and cheese inside.’, ‘Use sharp cheddar for best flavor.’, ‘You can prepare and boil bites in advance, refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.’, ‘Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain texture.’, ‘Variations include turkey and Swiss, spicy jalapeño cheddar, mustard filling, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.’]
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 130
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: pretzel bites, ham and cheese, soft pretzels, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, snack, kid-friendly