Gather your friends and get ready to party with these Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites! Packed with smoky, salty bacon and melty cheddar cheese, these bite-sized treats are the perfect finger food for any occasion. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked pretzels, the golden crunch, and the burst of comforting flavors in every bite. Let’s dive into this epic recipe and create a truly memorable gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites for Parties
These Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. The combination of the warm, doughy pretzel and the irresistible filling of crispy bacon and gooey cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. The savory, salty, and slightly sweet notes come together in perfect harmony, making these bites utterly craveable. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining, whether it’s a game day celebration, a holiday party, or a casual gathering with friends. Get ready to wow your guests with these indulgent and satisfying pretzel bites!
Ingredients
To make these Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, salt, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. The dough comes together quickly, and the filling is a breeze to assemble.
- 3 cups (375g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (11g) – Active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (295ml) – Warm water
- 1 teaspoon (6g) – Salt
- 2 tablespoons (28g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (113g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices – Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Flour: Whole-wheat flour for a heartier texture (similar baking time and properties)
- Cheese: Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile (same melting and baking properties)
How to Make Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites for Parties
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and melted butter, kneading the dough until it comes together into a smooth, elastic ball. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into small, equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse salt.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Bake the pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the pretzel bites are warm but not hot, use a small knife to cut a slit in the top of each one. Stuff the opening with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Return the stuffed pretzel bites to the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve these savory treats warm, garnished with additional bacon bits and a sprinkle of chopped chives, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheese & Meat Swap: Try different cheese and meat combinations, such as pepper jack cheese and spicy Italian sausage, or gouda cheese and smoked ham.
- Fun Shapes: Roll the dough into fun shapes like stars or hearts before baking for a more festive presentation.
- Veggie Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or ranch.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for a crispy, melty treat.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pretzel bites.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites are a delicious indulgence, but they also provide a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Each bite-sized treat contains approximately 120 calories, 6 grams of fat, 11 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 11 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pretzel bites.
Can I freeze the baked pretzel bites?
Absolutely! Once the bites have cooled completely, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
How do I keep the pretzel bites warm for a party?
To keep the pretzel bites warm and melty, you can place them in a slow cooker or oven-safe dish and set it to the “warm” setting. This will ensure your guests can enjoy the bites at the perfect temperature throughout the event.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
How can I make these pretzel bites vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or your favorite meatless filling.
Try These Next
- savory cranberry bacon bites for holiday parties
- cheesy bacon jalapeno stuffed pretzel bites for game day
- bbq bacon cheeseburger stuffed pretzel bites
Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites for Parties
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Bites are the perfect bite-sized snacks for parties. These delicious bites combine the flavors of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and soft pretzel dough.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Coarse sea salt, for topping
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2. Add flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. 4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
5. 5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
7. 7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces (about 1 inch each).
8. 8. Shape each piece into a ball, then boil each ball in the baking soda water for 30 seconds.
9. 9. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
10. 10. Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
11. 11. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
12. 12. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These pretzel bites are best served warm. You can serve them with a dipping sauce such as mustard or cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs and spices to the dough for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: bacon, cheddar, pretzel, bites, snacks, party