Soft pretzels, especially when stuffed with gooey cheese, are undeniably a delightful treat. If you’re like many, soft pretzels rank high on the list of comfort foods, right alongside anything potato-based and maybe a refreshing bubble tea. Making yeasted breads at home, like these pretzel bites, might seem like a challenge, but it’s actually more approachable than you might think. We encourage you to give it a try!
This recipe takes the classic soft pretzel and elevates it by stuffing it with cheese. The original recipe used a high-moisture buffalo mozzarella, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Keep in mind that higher moisture cheeses might lead to some cheesy leakage during baking – which some might argue adds to the charm! For a foolproof experience, cheese strings cut into uniform pieces are a great option. No judgment here!
Close-up shot of golden brown cheese stuffed pretzel bites, some with cheese oozing out, arranged on a wooden board.
But when you’re making these delicious snacks, a common question arises: How Large Is One Serving Of Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites? This is crucial whether you’re planning a party, managing your portions, or simply curious about what constitutes a reasonable amount of this tempting treat. Let’s dive into understanding serving sizes for these cheesy pretzel delights.
Determining a Serving Size of Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites
The original recipe states: “Makes 24 medium sized pretzel balls, good for about 4 people.” This gives us a starting point. Based on this, a serving size would be approximately 6 pretzel bites per person.
However, serving sizes can be subjective and depend on several factors:
- Purpose of Serving: Are these pretzel bites intended as a snack, an appetizer, or part of a main meal? A snack serving will naturally be smaller than an appetizer or a side dish portion.
- Individual Appetite: Appetites vary greatly from person to person. Factors like age, activity level, and overall diet play a role in how much someone might eat.
- Accompaniments: Are you serving these pretzel bites with dips like mustard, marinara, or queso? If so, the richness of the dips might make smaller servings more satisfying.
- Dietary Considerations: For those watching calorie intake or carbohydrate consumption, a smaller serving size might be more appropriate.
A reasonable serving size for cheese stuffed pretzel bites, considering these factors, is generally between 4-6 bites. This allows for a satisfying snack or appetizer without being overly indulgent. If serving as part of a larger meal, you might reduce this to 2-3 bites per person.
Recipe: Homemade Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Now that we’ve addressed serving sizes, let’s get to the recipe so you can make your own perfectly portioned cheese stuffed pretzel bites! This recipe is adapted from the original and provides clear instructions for delicious results.
Image showing the process of shaping pretzel dough and stuffing it with cheese cubes.
Yields: 24 medium pretzel bites
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Pretzel Bites:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) rapid rise yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, or your favorite cheese, cut into 24 cubes (about 1/2 inch cubes)
Bath:
- 10 cups water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons honey
Egg Wash & Topping:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt or pretzel salt
Equipment:
- Stand mixer (optional, but recommended)
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Slotted spoon
- Sharp knife or bread lame (optional)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a large stand mixer (or a large bowl if mixing by hand), combine warm water, yeast, honey, and oil. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy, indicating it’s active.
- Make the Dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead with the dough hook attachment on low speed for 5-7 minutes, or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Adjust flour or water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
GIF showing the texture of the pretzel dough after kneading in a stand mixer.
- First Rise: Lightly oil the dough and the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat and Prepare Bath: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly brush or spray with oil. In a large pot, combine bath water, baking soda, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Shape and Stuff Pretzel Bites: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 24 equal portions (you can use a kitchen scale for precision, or eyeball it). Flatten each portion into a small disc. Place a cube of cheese in the center of each disc. Bring the edges of the dough up and around the cheese to seal it completely. Gently roll the dough in your hands to form a smooth ball and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Baking Soda Bath: Once the water bath is boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil. Carefully drop 4-5 pretzel bites into the boiling water at a time for 30 seconds, rolling them gently to ensure all sides are submerged.
- Egg Wash and Score: Remove the pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently brush each pretzel bite with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or pretzel salt. If desired, use a sharp knife or bread lame to make a shallow slice across the top of each pretzel bite for a more traditional pretzel look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cheese stuffed pretzel bites cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as mustard, marinara sauce, or queso.
Overhead shot of a platter of cheese stuffed pretzel bites served with various dipping sauces.
Enjoy your homemade cheese stuffed pretzel bites! Remember to consider your serving size based on the occasion and your personal preferences. These are perfect for game days, parties, or a fun weekend snack.
