Save to Pinterest Fun, festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright cherry red nose—the perfect savory snack for holiday gatherings.
I love serving these pretzel bites at parties where everyone enjoys a playful snack that tastes great and looks adorable.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dough:
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disc.
- Fill dough:
- Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc; pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball.
- Arrange:
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and salt:
- Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Add antlers:
- Press two mini pretzel twists into the top sides of each bite for antlers.
- Add nose:
- Attach a red candy to the front for the red nose (use a dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as glue, if needed).
- Add eyes:
- Add two mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes above the nose.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings smiles to my family when we enjoy these bites during holiday gatherings.
Notes
Substitute whole wheat dough for extra fiber. 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 to Pinterest These pretzel bites are simple yet festive, perfect for sharing and customizing with your favorite fillings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provides a soft, flaky texture that holds the cheese filling well during baking.
- → Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
Yes, cream cheese is traditional, but cheddar or other meltable cheeses can add varied flavor profiles.
- → How do I attach the red nose decorations securely?
Use a small dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as an edible glue to keep the candies or tomatoes in place.
- → What can I substitute for the red candy noses for a healthier option?
Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds provide a fresh, colorful alternative with added nutrients.
- → How can I make these bites spicier?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or your preferred spice to the cheese filling before sealing the dough around it.