Taco Pretzel Bites are the perfect combo of yummy and fun! Imagine soft pretzel dough filled with seasoned taco meat and cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
These little bites are great for parties or just a snack while binge-watching your favorite show. I love dipping them in salsa; it makes them even better! 🌮🥨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Refrigerated pizza dough makes this recipe super easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own dough from scratch. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free pizza dough or puff pastry.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is standard, but you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust seasoning to your taste.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning gives great flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder for a quick homemade version.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a nice cheesy touch. I love using a sharp cheddar for more flavor, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack can also work well if you want something milder or with a kick!
How Do I Make My Pretzel Bites Extra Tasty?
Boiling the pretzel bites in a baking soda solution is key to achieving that iconic pretzel flavor and golden color. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil. The baking soda creates that wonderful pretzel taste.
- Drop a few bites at a time into the boiling water and let them sit for about 30 seconds.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re not touching each other so they bake evenly.
This step is crucial for making them puffy and delicious, just like the pretzels you love!
How to Make Taco Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse pretzel salt or kosher salt, for topping
- Optional: dipping sauce such as salsa, queso, or spicy ranch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for baking. You’ll spend some time cooking the beef and assembling the bites, plus a little bit more for boiling and baking. In total, expect about 50 minutes from start to finish, with delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. After cooking, drain any excess fat to keep the bites from being greasy.
3. Add Seasoning
Add the taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup of water to the beef in the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Then set it aside to cool a little.
4. Roll Out the Dough
On a clean surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. This will serve as the base for your pretzel bites.
5. Fill the Dough
Spread the cooled taco meat evenly over the pizza dough. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat for that cheesy deliciousness.
6. Roll It Up
Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure it’s sealed well at the edges to keep all the tasty filling inside.
7. Slice the Bites
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. These will be your pretzel bites.
8. Boil the Bites
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop the dough bites into the boiling water one batch at a time for about 30 seconds. This enhances the pretzel flavor.
9. Place on Baking Sheet
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the boiled bites to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out for even baking.
10. Prep for Baking
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg for a nice golden finish. Sprinkle them with coarse salt to give that classic pretzel flavor.
11. Score the Bites
Using a sharp knife, carefully score the tops of the bites. This will help them puff up nicely while baking.
12. Bake!
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
13. Enjoy!
Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. These Taco Pretzel Bites are perfect for sharing with a side of your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! While refrigerated pizza dough is easiest, you can use homemade pretzel dough for a more authentic flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower dough as an alternative!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work well. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat for a protein-packed filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their crispy texture!
Can I Freeze Taco Pretzel Bites?
Yes! After baking and cooling, you can freeze the bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for best results before serving!
