Get ready to transform your snack game with these mouthwatering Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites that are about to become the star of every party, game night, or midnight craving! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, soft pretzel exterior that gives way to a gooey, savory filling of melted cheese and tender ham. These bite-sized delights are not just a recipe – they're a culinary experience that will have everyone begging for more. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, these pretzel bites are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 1 batch of soft pretzel dough
- 8 oz deli ham, sliced
- 8 oz cheese, sliced (cheddar or Swiss)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the soft pretzel dough according to your preferred recipe or package instructions. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces, approximately the size of a golf ball.
- Flatten each piece of dough slightly and place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, ensuring that the ham and cheese are completely enclosed.
- Roll each filled dough ball gently between your hands to smooth it out and shape it into a bite-sized pretzel ball.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda to create a lye solution. This step is essential for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and texture.
- Carefully drop a few pretzel bites into the boiling water at a time, allowing them to cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the pretzel bites have been boiled, brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the top of each pretzel bite.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips
- Dough Consistency is Key: Ensure your pretzel dough is well-rested and at room temperature for easier handling.
- Seal Carefully: When folding the dough around the ham and cheese, pinch the edges thoroughly to prevent the filling from leaking during boiling or baking.
- Baking Soda Bath Matters: The baking soda water bath is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and golden-brown exterior. Don't skip this step!
- Even Sizing: Try to make your pretzel bites uniform in size to ensure consistent cooking.
- Fresh is Best: Serve these immediately after baking for the ultimate texture and flavor experience.
- Dipping Sauce Options: Consider serving with mustard, ranch, or a cheese sauce for extra flavor variety.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pretzel bites up to the boiling stage and refrigerate briefly before baking if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
