Balsamic Pretzel Bites

My goodness. Putting a bowl of these balsamic pretzel bites in front of me requires me to exercise self-control like I’ve rarely been forced to do before. Balsamic pretzel bites are a totally different take on the usual salty, often cheesy, tasty morsels. The balsamic glaze takes about 20 minutes to make, but it’s so worth the effort. You want the glaze to be a bit thick, thick enough that it sticks to the back of a spoon. The tart sweetness of the balsamic vinegar works perfectly on pretzels.

Balsamic Pretzel Bites


You can use any glaze actually. You don’t have to use ‘just’ balsamic. I’m contemplating trying some of the same glazes I use even on the grill, such as peach mango habanero, or sweet and spicy apricot. It often pays to think outside the box!

Also try my Ranch sourdough pretzel bites.

Inspired by a recipe from The Food Network.

Balsamic Pretzel Bites
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5 from 1 vote

Balsamic Pretzel Bites

My goodness. Putting a bowl of these balsamic pretzel bites in front of me requires me to exercise self-control like I’ve rarely been forced to do before. Balsamic pretzel bites are a totally different take on the usual salty, often cheesy, tasty morsels. T
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword balsamic, pretzel bites
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 763kcal

Ingredients

For the balsamic glaze

Instructions

  • Place the pretzels in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the pretzels.
  • Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the cheese and seasoning and toss to coat.
  • Serve drizzled with remaining glaze and sprinkled with the remaining cheese.

For the balsamic glaze

  • Combine vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves.
  • Reduce heat and let simmer until reduced by half, about 20 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 763kcal | Carbohydrates: 146g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 2404mg | Potassium: 108mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

Pulled pork is a popular dish around our house. Normally I make it on the smoker, low and slow. It may take most of the day (or night) but it is well worth the time. Specially when the end result are some slow cooker balsamic pork sliders. These little morsels of goodness disappear in no time. They’re like eating popcorn.

Now, I don’t believe in a grilling or smoking ‘season’, but the other day it was flat out cold and windy here and there was no way I was going to babysit the smoker. Call me wimpy. So, it was time for Plan B. And Plan B was good. Very good.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

This slow cooked tender balsamic pork has tremendous flavor. It’s sweet. It’s savory. The sauce is so delicious. And the Asian slaw? Fantastic. I was scared (really) of using fish sauce. I mean that stuff has an ‘aroma’. But it was great. I’m not afraid of it at all any more. It adds an amazing and new (to me) flavor that is quite intriguing.

These slow cooker balsamic pork sliders will definitely become a go-to winter-time recipe for us. Also try my crazy-good bold Ranch slow cooker pork chops.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

This slow cooked tender balsamic pork has tremendous flavor. It’s sweet. It’s savory. The sauce is so delicious. And the Asian slaw? Fantastic.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, pork, sliders, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 419kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Balsamic pork

For the Asian slaw

Instructions

For the Balsamic pork

  • Put the pork into a slow cooker set on low.
  • Whisk together the honey, vinegar, jam, Hoisin, broth, garlic. Stir in the onion, Pour sauce over pork and cook 8-9 hours until fall-apart tender.
  • Remove pork to a bowl to cool slightly then shred.
  • Pour sauce from slow cooker into a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly pour into sauce while whisking.
  • Bring sauce to a boil and continue stirring until thickened, 3-5 minutes.
  • Pour sauce back into the slow cooker and add the shredded meat. Stir.
  • Serve meat over rolls topped with Asian slaw.

For the Asian slaw

  • Whisk together all but the cabbage and green onions in a medium bowl.
  • Add in the cabbage and green onions and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 689mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.