Description
These Soft Pretzel Bites are homemade, chewy, and golden brown snacks perfect for parties or a tasty treat. Made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, and butter, they are boiled in a baking soda solution before baking to achieve the signature pretzel crust. Serve warm with your favorite dips like cheese sauce or mustard for a delightful snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Boiling and Topping
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring about 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a long rope (18-20 inches), then cut the ropes into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash, then sprinkle coarse sea salt over them evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- Serve with cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch for dipping.
- For a sweet version, omit the coarse salt and toss the pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar after baking.
- Pretzel bites are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
