When it comes to party snacks, game day munchies, or late-night cravings, nothing hits the spot quite like soft pretzel bites. But homemade pretzels from scratch can be a bit of a project—yeast, rising time, kneading… not exactly weeknight-friendly. That’s why I’m so excited to share this shortcut version: Easy Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce.
These little golden bites are made with canned biscuit dough—yep, the same stuff you keep in the fridge for quick biscuits—and transformed into soft, chewy pretzel-style snacks with a classic baking soda bath. They bake up beautifully golden with a crisp edge and chewy center, just like a real pretzel. And of course, no pretzel is complete without a warm cheese sauce to dunk it in. This one’s made from scratch with real cheddar and just a touch of Dijon mustard for depth.
In our house, these disappear fast. I made them once on a whim for a movie night and now they’re requested constantly—especially by my daughter, who likes hers with extra cheese sauce and a cinnamon sugar version for dessert. My husband leans toward mustard or even spicy nacho cheese. We always end up making a double batch.
What Are Biscuit Pretzel Bites?
Biscuit Pretzel Bites are a shortcut take on soft pretzels, using canned biscuit dough in place of a yeast-based pretzel dough. The dough is cut into small pieces, shaped into balls, and quickly boiled in a baking soda bath before baking. This quick dip is what gives the bites that signature chewy exterior and deep golden color.
While traditional soft pretzels can take hours with rising and shaping, this version goes from fridge to oven in under 30 minutes. The result? Puffy, golden pretzel bites that taste like you spent way more time than you did. Paired with a creamy homemade cheese sauce, they’re perfect for entertaining, snacking, or cozy nights in.
When to Serve Them
These easy pretzel bites are one of those recipes that fit into almost any occasion. Here are just a few ideas:
- Game day snack trays – Serve with cheese sauce, mustard, and ranch.
- After-school snacks – Quick to bake and always a hit with kids.
- Party appetizers – Pair with beer cheese or spicy queso for adults.
- Movie night treats – Serve both savory and sweet versions for a fun twist.
- Holiday appetizer boards – Add to a grazing table with dips, cheeses, and meats.
- Brunch sides – Yes, pretzel bites work with breakfast spreads too.
You can even make a cinnamon sugar version for dessert—just swap out the coarse salt for a sweet coating and serve with cream cheese icing or caramel dip.
Why You’ll Love These Biscuit Pretzel Bites
- No yeast, no rising – Ready to bake in less than 20 minutes.
- Canned biscuits make it easy – Store-bought dough delivers great texture.
- Classic pretzel flavor – Thanks to the baking soda bath.
- Customizable – Sweet or savory, they adapt to any flavor profile.
- Perfect for dipping – That cheese sauce takes it to another level.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make – Great for getting little hands involved.
Once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever waited around for dough to rise.
How to Make Biscuit Pretzel Bites in the Air Fryer
If you want to skip turning on the oven, these biscuit pretzel bites work wonderfully in the air fryer! After boiling the dough balls in the baking soda bath and brushing with melted butter, place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each bite. Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed. Every air fryer runs a little differently, so keep an eye on them starting around the 5-minute mark. They come out beautifully crisp on the outside and soft inside—perfect for dunking in that warm cheese sauce!
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what goes into making these pretzel bites with biscuit dough:
For the Pretzel Bites:
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – Use an 8-count can of Grands-style biscuits for the best texture. Any brand will work.
- Water & Baking Soda – The baking soda bath is what gives the pretzel bites their chewy, browned exterior. Don’t skip it.
- Butter (melted) – Brushed on before baking to add flavor and help the salt stick.
- Coarse Salt – Pretzel salt, flaky sea salt, or even everything bagel seasoning works here.
For the Cheese Sauce:
- Butter & Flour – The base of a simple roux to thicken the sauce.
- Milk – Whole milk gives the creamiest texture.
- Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded melts best, but any melty cheese will work.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds depth and that hint of sharpness you expect from a good cheese dip.
Variations & Add-Ins
These bites are super versatile. Here are some favorite ways to switch things up:
- Cinnamon Sugar Version – Skip the salt and brush with butter after baking, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
- Everything Pretzel Bites – Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Garlic Parmesan – Add garlic powder to the butter and toss with grated parmesan after baking.
- Spicy Cheddar Sauce – Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for heat.
- Beer Cheese Dip – Replace part of the milk with your favorite lager or ale for a bold pub-style flavor.
You can even stuff the biscuit pieces with small cubes of cheese before baking for gooey-filled bites.
Troubleshooting Tips
Having trouble with your biscuit pretzel bites? Here are a few fixes:
- Bites are too pale – Make sure your baking soda water is boiling before dipping the dough.
- Flat instead of puffy – Use Grands-style biscuits for the most volume and don’t over-handle the dough.
- Stuck to the pan? – Use parchment paper and give them space to expand.
- Cheese sauce too thick? – Whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Cheese sauce separating? – Lower the heat and whisk constantly while adding the cheese.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Best served fresh – These are at their absolute best warm from the oven.
- Room temp – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat – Use the oven or air fryer at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp. The microwave will work but makes them softer.
- Cheese sauce – Store in a sealed container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the texture.
If you’re making a large batch, keep baked bites warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
Need to prep in advance? You can boil the dough bites in baking soda water, then transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for several hours. When ready to serve, brush with butter, add salt, and bake fresh.
Cheese sauce can also be made a day in advance—just cool it completely and store in the fridge. Reheat slowly, stirring often.
Why These Went Viral (And Why They Actually Taste Like Real Pretzels)
These biscuit pretzel bites skyrocketed in popularity thanks to a few key things: they’re fast, fun, family-friendly, and require zero special equipment or bread-making skill. What started as a clever TikTok or Pinterest shortcut turned into a full-blown viral trend once people realized just how shockingly close they taste to real soft pretzels.
The secret is in the baking soda bath. While biscuit dough on its own is soft and fluffy, boiling it briefly in baking soda water creates a chemical reaction on the surface of the dough. This mimics what happens in traditional lye-based pretzel recipes (used by bakeries), giving the dough a chewy bite, deep golden crust, and that signature pretzel tang.
Even though you’re using canned biscuit dough, which contains leavening agents and fat for flakiness, the baking soda soak changes the texture from “biscuit” to “pretzel” in just 10 seconds per batch. It’s a brilliant hack—and once you taste them, it all makes sense. These aren’t just biscuits shaped like pretzels; they truly taste like real pretzels.
This combination of science-backed texture and viral shortcut appeal is what made these a hit across platforms and homes everywhere. No yeast? No rise time? That is no problem.
Custom Flavor Add In Ideas that we loved
Want to personalize your pretzel bites? Here are some fun flavor ideas:
- Ranch seasoning – Add a pinch to the melted butter for brushing before baking.
- Smoked salt – For a smoky depth that pairs great with the cheese sauce.
- Truffle oil – Drizzle a little over the baked bites for an upscale twist.
- Bacon bits – Stir into the cheese sauce or sprinkle on top.
- Italian blend cheese – Swap cheddar for mozzarella, provolone, or fontina.
This recipe is super flexible—use it as a base and build your flavor profile from there.
Low-Carb Alternatives
This recipe is not low-carb in its original form, but for readers seeking alternatives:
- You could try low-carb canned dough (like almond flour-based biscuit dough) if available.
- Use a keto-friendly cheese sauce by thickening with cream cheese instead of flour.
- Swap the baking soda bath for a quick egg wash and bake as-is if working with sensitive doughs.
This isn’t a keto recipe by default, but it’s a great one to bookmark for cheat days or guests who aren’t low-carb.
Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough estimate of what this recipe costs to make using standard grocery pricing:
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 can Grands-style biscuit dough | $2.00 |
| Baking soda | $0.25 |
| Butter (5 tablespoons total) | $0.75 |
| Milk (1 cup) | $0.60 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) | $1.50 |
| Dijon mustard | $0.25 |
| Coarse salt | $0.10 |
Total Estimated Cost: $5.45
Cost Per Serving (32 bites): ~ $0.17 per bite
Affordable, fun, and feeds a crowd for under $6? That’s a win every time.
FAQ
Can I skip the baking soda bath?
You can, but the texture won’t be the same. The baking soda bath is what gives the bites that signature chewy crust and pretzel flavor. It’s quick and makes all the difference.
Can I use any type of biscuit dough?
Yes! Any canned biscuit dough will work, but Grands-style is best for getting a puffy, chewy texture that mimics pretzels.
How do I make a sweet version?
After baking, brush with butter and toss the bites in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Serve with vanilla glaze or caramel dip.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep the dough balls and baking soda boil ahead of time. Refrigerate on a baking sheet, then bake fresh. Cheese sauce can also be made in advance and reheated gently.
Can I freeze biscuit pretzel bites?
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze fully baked and cooled bites in a zip-top freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm and crispy.
What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
Freshly shredded cheddar melts best, but you can use any melty cheese—Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a processed cheese like Velveeta for ultra-smooth dip.
Do I have to use Dijon mustard in the cheese sauce?
Not at all. It adds a little sharpness and depth, but you can use yellow mustard, spicy brown, or omit it entirely.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely. They’re a huge hit with kids! You can leave out the mustard in the cheese sauce if your little ones are sensitive to stronger flavors.
How to Serve Them (And Sauce Ideas for a DIY Dipping Station)
These pretzel bites are endlessly fun to serve. Whether you’re hosting a party or pulling together a quick snack spread, you can present them as part of a DIY dipping bar that lets everyone customize their bite.
Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve warm in a bowl or basket lined with parchment paper.
- Add to appetizer platters with sliced meats, cheeses, and olives.
- Pile them into a serving tray with multiple dips for crowd-friendly snacking.
- Offer sweet and savory versions side by side (salted + cinnamon sugar).
Dip Station Ideas:
Savory Sauces:
- Classic Cheddar Cheese Sauce (like the one in this recipe)
- Spicy Nacho Cheese Dip
- Honey Mustard
- Beer Cheese Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Garlic Butter
- Buffalo Sauce
- Smoky Chipotle Aioli
Sweet Sauces (if making cinnamon sugar pretzel bites):
- Cream cheese icing
- Warm caramel sauce
- Chocolate ganache or Nutella
- Maple glaze
- Vanilla Greek yogurt dip
Set everything out in ramekins or small bowls with serving spoons and let guests go wild. These bites are the ultimate canvas for dipping, making them a hit with both kids and adults. It’s easy to prep and even easier to love.
Final Thoughts
If you love soft pretzels but don’t love the time commitment, these Easy Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce are your new go-to snack. Quick, fun, and totally customizable, they’re the kind of recipe that works for any occasion—and they taste just like something you’d get at a ballpark or your favorite pub.
Whether you’re serving them up at a party, pairing with grilled meats for a summer cookout, or just making a batch for your family to snack on during movie night, these pretzel bites check every box: salty, chewy, dippable, and way easier than you’d expect.
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Easy Biscuit Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 8 count can refrigerated biscuit dough (I use Grands style)
- 5 cups water
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- Coarse salt
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Slice a slit in the top of each one.
- In a large pot bring the water and baking soda to a boil.
- Working in batches add a few pretzel balls to the water for 10 seconds and remove with a slotted spoon and place onto the parchment lined tray.
- Once they are all on the tray brush them all with the melted butter and sprinkle with the coarse salt.
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until golden brown.
Cheese Sauce
- In a small pot over medium heat whisk together the butter and flour for a minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and let it come up to bubble while whisking out any lumps.
- Stir in the cheese and mustard and remove from heat.
- Serve immediately.
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