Ham And Cheese Pretzel Bites

These Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites are a perfect combination of salty, savory, and cheesy goodness, wrapped in a soft, golden pretzel dough. Ideal for parties, game day, or a cozy snack, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The warm, fluffy pretzel dough encases a slice of ham and gooey melted cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare, with a dough that requires minimal rising time, and a quick baking process that results in a beautifully golden, slightly crisp exterior. Serve them with a side of mustard or your favorite dipping sauce, and they’ll quickly become a crowd favorite!

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 6 ounces thinly sliced ham, cut into strips or small pieces
• 6 ounces cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella), cut into small cubes or shredded

For the pretzel bath:

• 10 cups water
• 1/2 cup baking soda

For the topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour, kosher salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Assemble the bites: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 20 small pieces. Flatten each piece of dough into a small disc (about 3 inches wide), then place a piece of ham and a cube of cheese in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together, sealing the cheese and ham inside. Roll the dough into a ball and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
3. Prepare the pretzel bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the baking soda until it’s dissolved. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Cook the pretzel bites: Carefully drop the dough balls into the simmering water, a few at a time, and cook them for about 30 seconds, turning them halfway through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the bites have been boiled.
5. Bake the pretzel bites: Brush each bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve: Let the pretzel bites cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or served with a side of mustard, cheese dip, or your favorite dipping sauce.