Get ready to take your game day snacks to the next level with these Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites! These savory, gooey bites are an absolute flavor explosion, combining the irresistible texture of pretzels with a decadent, cheesy filling. Perfect for sharing with a crowd, this epic recipe is about to become your new go-to for any sports viewing party or casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites for Game Day Gatherings
These Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites are the ultimate game day snack. With their crispy pretzel exterior and melty, cheesy center, they’re guaranteed to be a total crowd-pleaser. The combination of garlic, herbs, and oozing cheese creates a flavor that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Plus, these pretzel bites are easy to make and perfect for sharing, making them the ideal appetizer or side dish for any big game celebration.
Ingredients
To make these Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites, you’ll need a simple list of ingredients, including all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, salt, butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese. The dough comes together quickly, and the filling is a breeze to prepare, making this recipe a total slam dunk.
- 4 cups (500g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) – Active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (350ml) – Warm water
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – Salt
- 4 tablespoons (57g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves (15g) – Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (10g) – Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (10g) – Fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cups (226g) – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (57g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese Fillings: Try a combination of different cheeses, like Parmesan, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Dietary Needs: For a vegetarian version, swap the traditional cheese filling for a plant-based alternative, such as shredded vegan cheese or a creamy, herbed cashew-based spread.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites for Game Day Gatherings
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating these epic Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by making the pretzel dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and warm water, kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for about an hour, then divide it into small balls.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, prepare the cheesy garlic herb filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. Stuff each dough ball with a generous amount of the filling, sealing the dough around it to create a tightly sealed pocket.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then carefully drop the filled pretzel bites into the water. Boil for a few minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they’re puffed up and slightly firm. Remove the bites from the water and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites until they’re golden brown and the cheese is oozing out. Serve these epic snacks hot and fresh, with your favorite dipping sauces on the side. Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Cheesy Twist: For an extra cheesy twist, try stuffing the pretzel bites with a combination of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Herb Blends: Experiment with different herb blends, such as Italian seasoning or a blend of rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a delightful kick of heat.
- Baked Variation: Skip the boiling step and simply bake the stuffed dough balls for a slightly different texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Your favorite dipping sauces, such as spicy mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy cheese dip.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pretzel dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to assemble the bites.
Nutrition Information
These Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites are a delicious indulgence, but they do pack a bit of a caloric punch. Each serving (about 2-3 pretzel bites) contains approximately 200 calories, with a decent amount of fat and carbohydrates from the dough and cheese filling. However, they’re also a good source of protein, making them a satisfying snack option.
- Serving Size: 2-3 pretzel bites
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the pretzel dough in advance. Simply prepare the dough, let it rise, then divide it into balls and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. When you’re ready to assemble the pretzel bites, just thaw the dough and proceed with the recipe.
Can I bake the pretzel bites instead of boiling them?
Absolutely! While boiling the pretzel bites is the traditional method, you can also skip that step and simply bake the stuffed dough balls. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
How can I make these pretzel bites vegetarian?
To make these Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites vegetarian, simply swap out the traditional cheese filling for a plant-based alternative, such as shredded vegan cheese or a creamy, herbed cashew-based spread.
Can I freeze the pretzel bites?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these pretzel bites! Once they’ve cooled, simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer when ready to serve.
What should I serve with these pretzel bites?
These Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy cheese dip. They also pair perfectly with ice-cold beers or your favorite game day beverages.
Try These Next
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- Loaded Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls For Game Day
Cheesy Garlic Herb Stuffed Pretzel Bites for Game Day Gatherings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 pretzel bites
- Category: Cheese Avalanche
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cheesy garlic herb stuffed pretzel bites are the perfect finger food for game day gatherings. With gooey cheese, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons mixed dried herbs (like Italian seasoning)
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2. Add flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 1 hour.
4. 4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. 5. In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella and cream cheese with garlic powder and herbs.
6. 6. Punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces (about 1 ounce each).
7. 7. Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center, then fold the dough over and pinch to seal.
8. 8. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
9. 9. Boil each pretzel bite for 30 seconds, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. 10. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
11. 11. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
• These pretzel bites can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.
• Experiment with different cheeses and herbs to customize the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pretzel bites, cheese, game day, snacks