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
- 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.
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Save Kitchen Guide
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough both yield soft, golden bites with a tender crumb that seals well around the cheese filling.
- → Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
Yes, cream cheese provides a creamy texture, but cheddar or other mild cheeses can be used to vary flavor and melt quality.
- → How do I ensure the dough seals properly around the cheese?
Flatten dough pieces, place a cheese cube in the center, then pinch and roll edges carefully to enclose the filling and prevent leaks.
- → Are there alternatives to the red candy noses?
Healthier options include mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds, which add natural color and freshness.
- → What’s the best way to bake these bites evenly?
Arrange dough balls seam-side down spaced evenly on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden, about 10–12 minutes.
- → How can I add extra flavor to these bites?
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese filling for a subtle smoky kick that complements the buttery dough.