Mouthwatering German Pretzel Bites – Delightful Snack for Any Occasion!

Allergens

Gluten, Dairy, Wheat

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups warm water 2 tsp sugar 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast 4 ½ cups all
• purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 6 cups water 1 cup baking soda 8 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded 2 tbsp cornstarch 2 cups milk ½ tsp mustard powder Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Add flour and salt to the activated yeast mixture. Stir in melted butter. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 45 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring 6 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
5. Divide the risen dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, then cut it into bite sized pieces.
6. Drop the pretzel bites one by one into the boiling water bath for about 30 seconds per side, then transfer them to a greased baking sheet.
7. Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the pretzels are baking, prepare the cheese sauce by combining shredded Gruyère, cornstarch, milk, and mustard powder in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the pretzel bites warm, drizzled generously with the cheese sauce.

Chef’s Insight

To achieve the perfect texture and taste, ensure that the baking soda bath is at a rolling boil before adding the dough pieces.

Notes

This recipe is easily customizable with different types of cheese or additions like sesame seeds or coarse salt on the pretzels.