Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g / 1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Everything bagel seasoning, for sprinkling
  • 8 cups (1.9L) water
  • ⅓ cup (55g) baking soda

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let stand until foamy.
  2. Add oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  4. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide into smaller, equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Gently drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water in batches. Cook for a short amount of time per side.
  7. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Cream together the butter and cream cheese, then add the cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  9. Brush the pretzel bites with egg wash. Top each bite with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the bites cool slightly before serving.