Keto Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce are a delicious, low-carb twist on the classic snack, offering all the flavors you love without the high-carb content. The dough is made from almond flour and melted cheese, which not only makes it keto-friendly but also results in a chewy, satisfying texture that mimics traditional pretzels. These pretzel bites are easy to make, and the addition of mozzarella and cream cheese gives them a rich, buttery flavor that complements the sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top. They bake up golden and crisp on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside—just like the pretzels you remember, but without the guilt.
To make the perfect cheese sauce, the combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese creates a rich, velvety dip that pairs beautifully with the warm, salty pretzel bites. The cheese sauce is easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and a few minutes of simmering. Once it’s ready, it adds the perfect creamy and savory element to each bite, elevating the flavor and making the experience even more indulgent. Whether you dip your pretzel bites generously in cheese sauce or drizzle it on top, this combination is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
These keto pretzel bites with cheese sauce are not just a great snack for those on a ketogenic diet, but they also make an excellent appetizer for parties or gatherings. They’re a healthier option compared to traditional pretzels and cheese, and the recipe can be customized with different flavors and dipping sauces. You can also easily make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick snack later on. Whether you’re craving something savory in the afternoon or looking to impress guests with a keto-friendly treat, these pretzel bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
With just 2 grams of net carbs per pretzel bite and only 1 gram of net carbs in the rich, creamy cheese sauce, this recipe is a great way to indulge in a classic snack without sacrificing your low-carb goals. These pretzel bites are high in healthy fats and protein, making them not only a tasty treat but also a filling snack that can keep you satisfied for hours. Perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, these pretzel bites with cheese sauce are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a favorite comfort food while staying on track with your dietary goals.
Keto Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce Recipe
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheeses are melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the cheese, as it can become too stretchy.
- Add almond flour, baking powder, and garlic powder (if using) to the melted cheese and mix until a dough forms. Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use your hands to work it into a dough-like consistency.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball (about 1-inch in diameter) to form the pretzel bites. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese, then slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pretzel bites warm with the cheese sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information (per pretzel bite, based on 12 servings):
For the Pretzel Bites (without cheese sauce):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 7g
For the Cheese Sauce (per serving, about 2 tbsp):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Tips and Variations:
- Texture: For a chewier texture, you can bake the pretzel bites for a bit longer, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
- Dipping Sauce: In addition to the cheese sauce, you can serve the pretzel bites with a variety of keto-friendly dips like mustard, ranch, or a homemade garlic butter dip.
- Flavor Boost: If you want to spice things up, try adding a pinch of paprika or onion powder to the dough for a unique flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: These pretzel bites store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave to enjoy later. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
These Keto Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce are a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb version of a beloved comfort food. The almond flour dough provides a satisfying, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or looking for a fun keto-friendly treat, these bite-sized pretzels are sure to become a go-to favorite!
