Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites

This recipe originally appeared in Super Bites and Slow-Cooker Dips for THE Big Game.

Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites

Sarah Nussbaum
Prep Time:

3 hours

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Category

Bread

These take a little bit more time and effort, but boy, are they worth it! Serve with your favorite mustard for delicious dipping!

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 oz) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
  • 2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110-115° F)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110-115° F)
  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped ham (about 3 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese of choice
  • 6 cups water
  • 4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1–2 Tablespoons coarse salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the yeast, 1 tsp brown sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Set aside until foamy, 5-8 minutes. (If using the instant yeast, you can skip this step and just add it to the flour.) In another bowl, stir together the remaining 2 Tbsp brown sugar and warm milk until dissolved.
  2. Add 2 1/2 cups flour and milk mixture to the yeast. Stir with a wooden spoon 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.
  3. Transfer the dough to a greased 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.
  4. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust your 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 1/4 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 sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining 3 portions of the dough.
  5. Let rest, uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400° F.
  6. In a small stockpot, 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.
  7. Bake until puffed and golden-brown, about 15 minutes.
  8. Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Did you make this recipe?Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

0 Comments

Sarah Nussbaum

Sarah Nussbaum

Sarah Nussbaum is an Ohio-based writer, wife, mom of four children, and aspiring homesteader. She enjoys singing, baking, gardening, home preserving and projects around her family’s 180-year-old farmhouse.

View All Posts From This Author

Also By This Author

People Also Enjoyed Reading

Avocado Fries

Avocado Fries

Lehman's
This recipe originally appeared in Ready to Go Meatless? Here's Why You Should (+ 4 Yummy Recipes).
Homemade Strawberry Jam

Homemade Strawberry Jam

Lehman's
This recipe originally appeared in Make Your Own Bread, Butter and Jam (Recipes Inside).
Homemade Butter

Homemade Butter

Lehman's
This recipe originally appeared in Make Your Own Bread, Butter and Jam (Recipes Inside).
Pickled Red Onions

Pickled Red Onions

Lehman's
This recipe originally appeared in Kids in the Kitchen: Grilling Pizzas.
Pizza Sauce

Pizza Sauce

Lehman's
This recipe originally appeared in Kids in the Kitchen: Grilling Pizzas.