Save Fun, festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright cherry red nose—the perfect savory snack for holiday gatherings.
I remember making these pretzel bites every holiday season with my family and watching kids' faces light up when they see the red noses.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Divide dough:
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces Flatten each piece into a small disc
- Fill and seal:
- Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball
- Arrange:
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet
- Brush and salt:
- Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes or until golden brown
- Cool:
- Allow to cool slightly
- Add antlers:
- Press two mini pretzel twists into the top sides of each bite for antlers
- Add nose:
- Attach a red candy to the front for the red nose (use a dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as glue if needed)
- Add eyes:
- Add two mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes above the nose
Save This recipe brings my family together creating joyful moments and tasty treats everyone enjoys.
Notes
Substitute whole wheat dough for extra fiber Serve warm for the best melty cheese effect
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
Save These pretzel bites are sure to brighten up any holiday table and delight guests young and old alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for the pretzel bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provides a tender, easy-to-handle base that bakes into soft, golden bites.
- → Can I use different cheeses for filling?
Cream cheese is standard for creaminess, but cheddar or other semi-soft cheeses can add a sharper flavor.
- → How do I get the pretzel bites golden and salted properly?
Brushing with melted butter before baking ensures a crisp surface, while coarse kosher salt adds classic pretzel flavor.
- → What are alternatives for the red topping?
Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds can replace candy for a healthier and fresh twist.
- → How should I store leftover bites?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently for best flavor and texture.