If you are looking for a snack that perfectly combines a soft, fluffy texture with that irresistible salty, chewy pretzel flavor, the Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bite-sized delights start from simple refrigerated biscuit dough, transformed into golden, lightly salted pretzel balls that are sure to become an instant crowd-pleaser. Paired with a creamy, tangy cheddar cheese dip, this recipe brings the joy of classic pretzels to your kitchen in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, fridge-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of delightful flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, from the biscuit dough forming tender bites to the baking soda bath creating that iconic pretzel crust.
- 1 (8 count) can refrigerated biscuit dough: Using Grands style biscuits gives you a wonderfully light and flaky base that’s easy to shape into pretzel bites.
- 5 cups water: Essential for the baking soda bath, it helps develop the characteristic chewy pretzel crust.
- 3 Tablespoons baking soda: The magic behind the deep brown, slightly crunchy exterior and that classic pretzel flavor.
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a glossy finish when brushed on the bites before baking.
- Coarse salt: Provides that satisfying salty crunch atop the pretzel bites.
- 1 Tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted): The base for the cheddar cheese dip’s creamy texture.
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese dip smoothly.
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred): Adds creaminess and body to the cheddar cheese dip.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that gives the dip its bold cheesy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a hint of tanginess to elevate the richness of the cheese dip.
How to Make Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Shape the Biscuit Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick spray. Take each biscuit and cut it into four equal pieces, then roll each piece into a small, smooth ball. Don’t forget to slice a small slit on the top of each ball — this helps them bake evenly and creates a charming look.
Step 2: Create the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring five cups of water and three tablespoons of baking soda to a boil. This baking soda bath is the secret step that sets pretzels apart from regular bread by giving them their distinctive brown crust and chewiness.
Step 3: Dip and Boil the Dough Balls
Working in small batches, carefully drop several biscuit balls into the boiling baking soda water. Let them cook for about ten seconds — just enough to form that unique pretzel skin without cooking through. Using a slotted spoon, lift the bites out and transfer them to your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Brush with Butter and Add Salt
Once all the dough balls have been boiled and sitting on the baking sheet, generously brush them with melted butter. Then sprinkle the tops with coarse salt, which will add that perfect salty crunch to each bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake those bites for about 8 to 9 minutes until their surface turns a glorious golden brown color. When they come out, their aroma alone will have you eagerly reaching for one.
Step 6: Make the Cheddar Cheese Dip
While your biscuit pretzel bites bake, melt one tablespoon of butter in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for about a minute to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in one cup of milk, whisking continuously to smooth out any lumps and bring it just to a gentle bubble. Then stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard until the cheese melts into a luscious, velvety dip. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to serve.
How to Serve Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe, try sprinkling some chopped fresh chives or a pinch of smoked paprika over the cheese dip. Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that complements the warm, cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
These pretzel bites pair beautifully with crisp vegetable sticks like celery and carrots or a fresh, tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness. For a heartier spread, serve alongside spicy mustard or a cool ranch dressing for dipping options that will keep everyone delighted.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, arrange your pretzel bites in a circular pattern around a bowl of cheddar cheese dip. Add a few ramekins with other dipping sauces such as honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo for variety. You can also serve them skewered on cocktail sticks for a fun and easy-to-grab appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover pretzel bites, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their soft centers, avoid refrigeration which can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked biscuit balls after shaping but before baking. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, boil and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat baked pretzel bites, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their warmth and crisp crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned dough?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough can add a lovely personal touch. Just make sure the dough is chilled and firm enough to roll and slice into bite-sized balls before proceeding with the baking soda bath.
What does the baking soda bath do to the pretzel bites?
The baking soda bath causes a chemical reaction that gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and deep brown color when baked. Skipping this step will result in soft bread balls rather than authentic pretzel bites.
Can I make the cheddar cheese dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese dip in advance and gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk to revive its creamy texture before serving.
Is there a way to make these pretzel bites gluten-free?
Since this recipe relies on biscuit dough and flour for both the bites and dip, switching to gluten-free versions is possible but may require experimentation with gluten-free biscuits and thickening agents to get the right texture.
How spicy is the cheddar cheese dip with Dijon mustard?
The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and mild zing without making the dip spicy. It perfectly balances the richness of the cheddar without overwhelming the palate.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe, I bet it will become a fast favorite in your snack rotation. It’s fun, simple, and incredibly satisfying — a perfect way to bring homemade pretzel joy to any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious bites!
PrintBiscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe
These Biscuit Pretzel Bites are a quick and delicious snack made from refrigerated biscuit dough boiled briefly in a baking soda bath and then baked to a golden brown. They have a soft pretzel-like texture with a perfect salty crust, and optionally served with a creamy cheddar cheese dipping sauce infused with Dijon mustard. Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy snacks at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 32 pretzel bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Bites
- 1 (8 count) can refrigerated biscuit dough (Grands style recommended)
- 5 cups water
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (can use salted butter)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
For the Cheese Sauce (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Biscuit Pieces: Cut each biscuit into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball shape to form the pretzel bites.
- Slit Each Bite: Using a sharp knife, slice a small slit on top of each dough ball to help release steam and create a classic pretzel look.
- Boil the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda to a rolling boil. This alkaline bath is essential to develop the characteristic pretzel crust and flavor.
- Boil the Dough Balls: Working in batches, add a few dough balls to the boiling baking soda water. Boil each batch for about 10 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove and transfer the bites onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Butter and Salt: After all the pretzel bites are boiled and arranged on the baking sheet, brush them generously with the melted butter and sprinkle coarse salt over the tops to taste.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and have a firm crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy as is or with your favorite dip.
- Optional Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter and Flour: In a small pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter then whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Cook for about one minute while whisking to combine and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in Milk: Slowly add 1 cup of whole milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer; continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Mustard: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve Cheese Sauce: Remove from heat and serve immediately alongside the warm pretzel bites for dipping.
Notes
- Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe quick and easy, but for a more authentic pretzel flavor use homemade pretzel dough.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is key to the pretzel’s distinctive crust and flavor.
- Slitting the top of each bite before boiling helps steam escape and gives a traditional pretzel appearance.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Watch for a golden brown color as a visual cue.
- The cheese sauce is optional but adds a rich, tangy complement perfect for dipping.
- For a crispier exterior, you can brush with an egg wash before baking instead of melted butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Coarse salt is preferred since it holds up well to baking, but you can substitute with pretzel salt or kosher salt if on hand.
