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 first made these pretzel bites for a holiday party and they were an instant hit with family and friends.
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
- 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 These bites have become a fun tradition at our family holiday celebrations, bringing smiles and laughter all around.
Notes
For a spicier bite, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese filling. Substitute whole wheat dough for extra fiber. Candy noses can be swapped for cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds for a healthier option. 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 impress and add charm to your festive spread.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough both work well, providing a soft yet slightly chewy texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute the cheese inside the bites?
Yes, cream cheese is traditional, but sharp cheddar or a blend can add a different flavor profile.
- → What alternatives are there for the red candy topping?
Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds offer a fresh, healthier alternative to candy.
- → How do I keep the candy nose attached during serving?
Use a small amount of softened cream cheese or melted chocolate as edible glue to secure the candy firmly in place.
- → Can these bites be made spicy?
Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese filling introduces a warm, spicy note to the bites.
- → What is the best way to serve these bites?
Serve them warm, fresh from the oven, to enjoy the melty, creamy cheese center at its best.