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Homemade Pretzel Bites Recipe with Ham and Cheese

These savory and delicious homemade pretzel bites make the perfect finger food. Great party appetizer or game day food!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours
Servings: 48
Calories: 45kcal
Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup warm milk (110-115 degrees F)
  • 2 1/2-3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package instant dry yeast 1/4 oz.
  • 1/2 cup ham finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 6 cups water
  • 4 tsp baking soda
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1-2 tbsp coarse kosher salt

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and warm milk until dissolved. In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour, the milk mixture and the yeast. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add the remaining flour as needed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times, forming a smooth ball.
  • Brush the inside of a large clean bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 2 hours, until dough has doubled in size and bubbles appear on the surface.
  • Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust hands and rolling pin with flour. Roll one of the four sections into a 12×4-inch rectangle. With the long side facing you, gently press ¼ of the ham and cheese into the bottom third of the dough, and roll as tightly as possible, starting with the end that has the filling. Cut into 12 1-inch pieces and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining 3 portions of dough.
  • Let rest, uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Boil pretzels in batches, cooking about 20 seconds each, turning once. They should be slightly puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them back to the baking sheets. Bake until puffed and golden-brown, about 15 minutes. Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use a thermometer such as the Thermapen to ensure your milk reaches the proper temp (110-115 degrees F).
  • Buy pre-cooked, pre-diced ham to make this recipe even easier.
  • Any melting cheese works great. Mozzarella, cheddar or provolone are all delicious options.
  • Simplify the recipe by making your own quick dough. Skip steps 1 and 2 in the recipe card entirely.

Nutrition

Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
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