Save 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, 24 small cubes (about 1 cm each) cream cheese (or cheddar cheese, optional), 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, 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), 48 mini pretzel twists (for antlers), 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.
Save 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
Save These pretzel bites make a delightful holiday treat that combines fun and flavor perfectly.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provides a soft, flaky texture that holds the cheese filling well.
- → Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
Cream cheese is recommended for its creaminess, but cheddar or other semi-soft cheeses add flavor variations.
- → How do I ensure the bites seal tightly around the cheese?
Pinch the dough firmly around the cheese cube and roll into a ball to prevent leakage during baking.
- → What alternatives exist for the red candy 'nose'?
Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds make fresh, healthy alternatives to red candies.
- → How should I serve these bites for best taste?
Serving warm highlights the melty cheese center and enhances the buttery, salty crust for maximum enjoyment.