Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites

I don't even know where to start with these. You already know how I feel about homemade pretzels, but these take it to a whole new level. 

These are easily lunch worthy. Possibly dinner and even breakfast...maybe, maybe not. Why not stuff yourself with tons of crispy, salty, buttery bread, ham and cheese all day long? 

These would at least make a perfect appetizer and you'd be the hit of the party.

If you're in love with homemade pretzels as much as I am, you must try these.

Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites

Adapted from Pip and Ebby

4 tsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. white sugar

1 1/4 cups warm water

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. oil

1 Tbsp. baking soda

1/2 cup hot water

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

kosher or sea salt, for topping

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar and salt. Make a well in the center; add the oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes. (If the mixture is dry, add one or two tablespoons of water. If it’s too sticky, add some flour.)

3. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

4. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust a rolling pin with flour and roll each piece of dough into roughly a 12x4-inch rectangle.

6. With the long sides facing you, place the following ingredients onto the bottom third of each piece of dough: a quarter of 1/2 cup finely chopped ham, quarter of 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

7. Roll the dough as tightly as you, starting with the long edge holding the ham and cheese. 

8. Cut each roll into 1-inch pieces. Transfer the pieces to a parchment-lined baking sheet. 

9. Dissolve baking soda into hot water and brush onto each piece.

10. Bake in the preheated oven until they are puffed and golden, about 15 minutes.

11. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt.