Why These Pretzel Bites Are a Must-Try

Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown pretzel bite that’s soft and chewy on the outside and oozing with creamy, melty Brie on the inside. These Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites are everything you want in a snack—comforting, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just treating yourself, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more.

One of the best parts? These bites are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’ve never made pretzel dough before. Trust me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. The salty exterior combined with the gooey Brie creates the ultimate flavor explosion. Plus, they’re endlessly versatile—you can serve them with a variety of dips, or even customize the filling to suit your taste.

I first made these for a family gathering, and let’s just say they didn’t last long. My siblings were literally fighting over the last few bites! Now they’ve become a staple for every occasion, and I always make sure to bake an extra batch because they disappear so quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pretzel bites are pure magic for so many reasons:

Easy to Make: The dough comes together quickly, and the recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Irresistibly Cheesy: The Brie filling melts into a creamy, gooey center that pairs perfectly with the salty pretzel dough.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bites are a hit at parties, but they’re just as great for casual snacking at home.
Customizable: You can switch up the filling to suit your preferences—think cheddar, Gruyère, or even a savory herb mix.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love popping these little bites into their mouths.

Each bite delivers the best of both worlds: the chewy texture of a classic soft pretzel combined with the rich decadence of melted cheese. What’s not to love?

Preparation Time and Serving Size

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes dough rising time)
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Servings: 40 pretzel bites

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Pretzel Dough:

2 teaspoons instant yeast
3 tablespoons melted butter
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1¼ cups warm water

The Filling:

Brie cheese, cut into small pieces (about 1 teaspoon per piece)

The Topping:

8 cups water
½ cup baking soda
1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Coarse salt (for garnish)

The dough forms the base of the pretzel bites, giving them their characteristic chewiness. The Brie provides the creamy, indulgent filling, while the baking soda bath helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Slowly add the warm water and melted butter while the mixer is running on low speed. Once the dough starts to come together, increase the speed to medium and let it knead for about 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Portion and Stuff the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 40 small, equal pieces. Take one piece at a time, flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand, and place a piece of Brie in the center. Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the edges together to seal it completely. Roll the dough ball gently between your palms to smooth it out. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and Brie pieces.

3. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Slowly add the baking soda, stirring until it’s fully dissolved. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each dough ball into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzel bites their signature texture and flavor.

After the bath, place each dough ball seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake the Pretzel Bites
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush each dough ball with the egg wash to ensure a shiny, golden crust, then sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt on top. Bake the pretzel bites for 15–18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown.

5. Cool and Serve
Let the pretzel bites cool for about 10 minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, with the Brie still gooey inside. Serve them as is or alongside your favorite dips for an added flavor boost.

Tips for Perfect Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Keep the Dough Soft: Avoid adding too much flour when kneading the dough. A slightly sticky dough will yield softer pretzel bites.
Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the Brie to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
Use Fresh Brie: Choose a good-quality Brie for maximum flavor and creaminess.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture and flavor.
Work Quickly: Once you’ve prepared the pretzel bites, bake them as soon as possible to keep the dough from drying out.

Recipe Variations

These pretzel bites are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the filling or toppings:

Cheese Alternatives: Swap the Brie for cheddar, Gouda, or mozzarella for a different cheesy experience.
Sweet Option: Skip the salt and sprinkle the pretzel bites with cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Savory Herbs: Add a sprinkle of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the egg wash for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix a bit of chopped jalapeño into the Brie filling for a spicy variation.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough for a celiac-friendly option.

How to Serve

These pretzel bites are a dream served warm with a variety of dipping options:

Savory Dips: Mustard, cheese sauce, or marinara.
Sweet Pairings: Honey, jam, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Side Dish Ideas: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a more balanced snack.

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

For longer storage, freeze the baked pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit longer, but the results will be just as delicious.

Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough can work in a pinch, though the texture won’t be quite the same.

What other fillings can I use?
Try experimenting with other fillings like cooked sausage, caramelized onions, or even Nutella for a sweet treat.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the edges of the dough are sealed tightly around the Brie, and avoid overfilling the dough balls.

Final Thoughts

These Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites are proof that homemade snacks can be both easy and impressive. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they’re guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have. If you do, don’t forget to share your results—tag me in your photos so I can see your delicious creations! Happy baking!

Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites Recipe: Gooey, Chewy Perfection

Author: Sarah Lawson
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 40 pretzel bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites combine soft, chewy pretzel dough with a gooey, creamy Brie center. Perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers, they’re simple to make and totally customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Dough:
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups warm water
Filling:
- Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
Topping:
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- Coarse salt

Instructions

Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Add water and melted butter; knead until smooth. Let dough rise for 1–1½ hours.
Divide dough into 40 pieces. Flatten, place Brie in the center, and seal.
Prepare a baking soda bath by simmering water and dissolving baking soda. Dip dough balls for 30 seconds.
Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle salt, and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Swap Brie for other cheeses like cheddar for variety.
Refrigerate dough overnight for make-ahead prep.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Category: Appetizer/Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-inspired