Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites - Easy Recipes for Family Time - Seeded At The Table (2024)

5 from 1 vote

• 1 package (¼ oz) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
• 2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar , divided
• ¼ cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
• 1 cup warm milk (110-115 degrees F)
• 2 ½ to 3 cups flour
• ½ cup finely chopped ham (about 3 ounces)
• ½ cup shredded cheese of choice (I used cheddar)
• 6 cups water
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
• 1-2 Tablespoons coarse salt

• Combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon 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 tablespoon brown sugar and warm milk until dissolved.

• Add 2 ½ 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.

• 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 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 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 sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining 3 portions of the dough.

• Let rest, uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°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 or at room temperature.

Source: Adapted from Pink Parsley