Pin this Fun, festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright cherry red nose—the perfect savory snack for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pretzel Bites: 1 can (340 g / 12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
- Pretzel Bites: 24 small cubes (about 1 cm each) cream cheese (or cheddar cheese, optional)
- Pretzel Bites: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Pretzel Bites: 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- Decoration: 24 small round red candies (e.g., mini cherry tomatoes, red M&Ms, or pomegranate seeds for a healthier option)
- Decoration: 48 mini pretzel twists (for antlers)
- Decoration: 24 mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disc.
- Step 3:
- Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball.
- Step 4:
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 7:
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Step 8:
- Press two mini pretzel twists into the top sides of each bite for antlers.
- Step 9:
- Attach a red candy to the front for the red nose (use a dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as glue, if needed).
- Step 10:
- Add two mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes above the nose.
Pin this Required Tools
Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Pastry brush, Small bowl (for melted butter), Oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (cheese, butter), soy (if using chocolate candies), May contain: Nuts (in candies), eggs (in some doughs), Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 85, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 2 g
Pin this These pretzel bites make the perfect festive snack to share with friends and family during the holidays.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provides a soft yet sturdy base that browns nicely during baking, creating the perfect pretzel texture.
- → Can I substitute the cheese filling?
Yes, cream cheese is traditional, but sharp cheddar or a spiced cheese blend can add different flavors while maintaining a creamy center.
- → How do I keep the red topping in place?
Use a small dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as edible glue to securely attach the red candies or fruits on top of each bite.
- → What variations can enhance these bites?
Adding smoked paprika to the filling adds warmth, while substituting cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds offers a fresh, healthier topping.
- → How should these bites be served?
Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese center and crisp, buttery exterior, ideal for sharing during festive occasions.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.