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Easy Ham and Cheese Pretzel Pinwheel Bites Recipe

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Soft, chewy pretzel wrapped around salty ham and melty cheese, all in a two-bite package perfect for parties or game day. These crowd-pleasing pinwheels are quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces (225g) thinly sliced deli ham (Black Forest or honey ham)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ⅓ cup (80g) baking soda
  • 4 cups (960ml) water (for boiling)
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Pour in melted butter and yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled.
  3. While dough rises, pat ham slices dry with paper towels. Shred cheddar if needed. Measure out Dijon mustard.
  4. Punch down risen dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread Dijon mustard evenly, leaving a ½-inch border. Layer ham slices on top, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over ham.
  5. Starting from the long side, roll dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Slice into 12-16 even pieces, about 1 to 1½ inches thick. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
  6. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add baking soda (it will bubble vigorously). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Using a slotted spoon, lower 3-4 pinwheels into the water at a time. Simmer for 30 seconds, flip, and simmer another 30 seconds. Remove and place back on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pinwheels.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tops of boiled pinwheels with egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
  8. As soon as pinwheels come out of the oven, brush with melted butter. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives the pretzel flavor and deep brown crust. Pat ham dry to avoid soggy dough. Chill the log before slicing for cleaner cuts. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft, buttery finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese pretzel bites, pretzel pinwheels, easy appetizer, game day snack, party food, ham and cheese rolls

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-ham-and-cheese-pretzel-pinwheel-bites-recipe/