Save Fun, festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright cherry red nose—the perfect savory snack for holiday gatherings.
This recipe brings a smile to every holiday gathering I host.
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 (eg 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 This recipe is a holiday favorite my family looks forward to every year.
Notes
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 add festive fun and flavor to any gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough works well, providing a soft yet sturdy base that holds the cheese filling during baking.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese with other fillings?
Yes, cheddar cheese cubes can be used for a sharper flavor, and spices like smoked paprika can be added for an extra kick.
- → How do I prevent the dough from leaking cheese while baking?
Ensure to fully pinch and seal the dough around the cheese cube, forming a smooth ball with the seam side down on the baking sheet.
- → What are some healthy alternatives for the red nose decoration?
Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds make great fresh and natural toppings in place of candy.
- → How should these bites be stored after baking?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then reheat gently to restore softness and melty cheese.
- → Are these bites suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the bites use vegetarian-friendly ingredients including dough, cheese, and toppings without meat products.