Ah, now we’re in fun, soft, savory-snack territory! Cottage Cheese Pretzel Bites are a twist on classic pretzels—soft, slightly tangy, and perfect for dipping. The cottage cheese keeps them moist and tender. Here’s a great recipe:
Cottage Cheese Pretzel Bites
Ingredients (makes ~24 bites):
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, well-drained)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Optional for baking soda bath:
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough:
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add cottage cheese, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth (~2–3 minutes).
- Shape the bites:
- Roll dough into small ropes (~½ inch thick) and cut into 1–2 inch pieces.
- Optionally, twist into little pretzel shapes or leave as bite-sized nuggets.
- Baking soda bath (optional, for classic pretzel flavor):
- Bring 3 cups water + 2 tbsp baking soda to a boil.
- Drop pretzel bites in for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle bites with coarse salt.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Enjoy warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
Tips & Variations:
- For cheesy bites, fold in ¼–½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the dough.
- Add herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you skip the baking soda bath, you’ll still get soft, pillowy bites—they just won’t have the classic pretzel tang.
If you want, I can give a “restaurant-style soft pretzel bites” version that’s ultra-chewy, golden, and perfect for dipping—basically like the ones from a mall pretzel stand, but with cottage cheese added for tenderness.
Do you want me to do that version?
