For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying and compliant snacks can sometimes be a challenge. Cravings for familiar comfort foods like soft pretzel bites can be particularly strong. This recipe offers a fantastic solution: Keto Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce, a low-carb twist on the classic snack that delivers on both flavor and texture.
Why Keto Pretzel Bites?
Traditional pretzel bites are made with wheat flour, making them off-limits for those on a keto diet. However, this recipe utilizes almond flour and other keto-friendly ingredients to create a treat that satisfies cravings without derailing your dietary goals. These bites are light, fluffy, and perfect for dipping, making them an ideal addition to a snack board or as a standalone treat.
Two Ways to Make Keto Pretzel Bites
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt the cheeses: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 ounces of cream cheese. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheeses are completely melted and well combined. This should take around 2-2 ½ minutes total.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of almond flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Set aside.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Add the cheese mixture, 1 large egg, and the almond flour mixture into a food processor with a dough blade attachment. Pulse on high speed until the dough is uniform. The dough will be quite sticky, which is normal. If you don't have a food processor, you can thoroughly mix all of the ingredients in a bowl
- Shape the pretzel bites: Wrap your pastry board with plastic wrap until the plastic wrap is taut. Lightly coat your hands with oil and divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Roll each dough into ropes about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, slice dough into 3/4 inch wide pieces. You should have enough dough for approximately 74 bites.
- Prepare for baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the pretzel bites onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg wash and salt: Add the final egg to a bowl and whisk. Brush the surface of pretzel bites with egg wash. Sprinkle tops of pretzels with coarse salt or Everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake: Bake pretzels for about 12 minutes in the middle rack of your oven, or until pretzels are a light golden brown.
- Broil (optional): Set your oven to a low broil and cook for about 2 minutes. This will crisp up the exterior of the pretzel slightly, so that it resembles a soft pretzel crust. Watch your oven carefully during these 2 minutes as you don't want to burn or overcook your pretzels.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare air fryer basket: Line air fryer with parchment paper that's cut to fit the air fryer.
- Follow steps 2-7 of the baking instructions
- Air fry: Place the pretzel bites on the rack with some space in between each one, then brush with the melted butter. 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.
Crafting the Perfect Keto Cheese Sauce
No pretzel bites are complete without a delectable cheese sauce for dipping. This keto-friendly version is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup good quality shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Melt butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add cream and cheese: When the butter has melted, stir in the heavy cream and the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until smooth: Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
Tips for Keto Pretzel Bite Success
- Use Superfine Almond Flour: For the best texture, superfine almond flour is recommended over regular almond flour.
- Don't Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the pretzel bites with egg white before baking helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Work Quickly with the Dough: The fathead dough is easier to work with while the cheese is still warm.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sea salt, everything bagel seasoning, or even cinnamon and sweetener for a sweet treat.
Serving Suggestions
These keto pretzel bites are endlessly fun to serve. Set everything out in ramekins or small bowls with serving spoons and let guests go wild.
Dipping Options:
- Keto Beer Cheese Sauce
- Chile con Queso
- Cream Cheese
- Honey Mustard (in moderation, as honey is not strictly keto)
- Marinara Sauce (check label for added sugars)
- Guacamole
- Warm Artichoke Dip
- Alfredo Sauce
Storage Instructions
- Pretzel Bites: Store baked pretzel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled bites in a zip-top freezer bag.
- Cheese Sauce: Store cheese sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Biscuit Pretzel Bites: A Quick and Easy Alternative
If you're short on time or prefer a simpler recipe, you can make pretzel bites using canned biscuit dough. This shortcut method is incredibly fast and requires minimal effort.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-count) can of refrigerated biscuit dough (Grands-style recommended)
- Water
- Baking soda
- Melted butter
- Coarse salt or desired toppings
Instructions:
- Prepare baking soda bath: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add baking soda.
- Cut and shape dough: Cut each biscuit into small pieces and shape them into balls.
- Boil dough balls: Briefly boil the dough balls in the baking soda bath for about 10 seconds per batch.
- Bake or air fry: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) or air fry at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
- Brush with butter and add toppings: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt or your favorite toppings.
Tips for Biscuit Pretzel Bites:
- Don't Overboil: Boiling the dough balls for too long can result in a gummy texture.
- Air Fryer Option: Air frying the biscuit pretzel bites is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Versatile Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Cinnamon sugar, parmesan cheese, or everything bagel seasoning are all delicious options.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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