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Garlic Butter Everything Bagel Cheese Pretzel Bites

garlic butter everything bagel cheese pretzel bites - featured image

These soft, cheesy pretzel bites are stuffed with melty cheese, brushed with garlicky butter, and topped with everything bagel seasoning. They’re the ultimate easy party appetizer, perfect for game day, gatherings, or a cozy snack night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp or 7g) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 oz (170g) block-style cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss)
  • 4 cups (960ml) water (for baking soda bath)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda (for baking soda bath)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter (for garlic butter)
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt (for garlic butter)
  • 23 tbsp everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir to mix.
  2. Add warm water and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead by hand for 6-8 minutes (or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 4-5 minutes) until dough is smooth and elastic. Add flour if sticky.
  4. Cover bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes, until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, cut cheddar (or cheese of choice) into 1/2-inch cubes.
  6. Once dough is risen, punch down gently and turn onto a lightly floured surface.
  7. Divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each into a disk, place a cheese cube in the center, and pinch edges tightly to seal.
  8. Bring 4 cups water and 1/4 cup baking soda to a boil in a small saucepan.
  9. Drop pretzel bites in, a few at a time, for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and set on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Arrange bites an inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
  11. While bites bake, melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  12. Brush hot pretzel bites generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning while still warm.
  13. Let cool slightly (2-3 minutes). Serve warm for the best gooey cheese pull.

Notes

Seal the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks. Use block cheese for best melting. Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use appropriate flour and cheese substitutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, cheese appetizer, everything bagel, garlic butter, party snack, easy appetizer, game day, finger food, homemade pretzels, cheesy snacks