Description
These Super Easy Soft Pretzel Bites are a delicious homemade snack, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Soft, chewy, and coated with a buttery sprinkle of coarse sea salt, these bites are made with simple pantry ingredients and come together quickly with a baking soda bath and oven baking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Baking Soda Bath
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 cups water
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- Rest Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to shape.
- Preheat Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Divide the rested dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes and cut those into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a simmer. Stir in 1/4 cup of baking soda until dissolved. Carefully dip each pretzel bite into the baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheets. This step helps give the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and brown color.
- Butter and Salt: Brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt to your taste.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites turn golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Optional Finish & Serve: Optionally, brush the freshly baked pretzel bites with additional melted butter for extra richness. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as mustard, cheese dip, or ketchup.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the yeast activation is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- The baking soda bath is essential to mimic the traditional pretzel texture and flavor.
- Use coarse sea salt for best texture and flavor on top of pretzels.
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Feel free to add toppings like cinnamon sugar or shredded cheese before baking for variations.
