Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Introduction

Pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and perfectly salted snacks that are easy to make at home. Whether for a party or a cozy evening, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

A white bowl filled with many small, golden-brown soft pretzel bites, each topped with coarse salt. The pretzel bites have a shiny, slightly crispy texture on the outside, while the inside looks soft and fluffy with a light yellow color. In the center of the bowl, there is a small white cup filled with bright yellow mustard sauce, topped with a small pat of melting butter. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth lining inside the bowl, creating a cozy and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • 1 packet active yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup baking soda (for boiling the water)
  • 1 large egg (whisked)
  • Sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted – for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, active yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. If it does not foam, discard and repeat with fresh yeast.
  2. Step 2: Add the Kosher salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour and the yeast mixture. Knead on low to medium speed for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal sections.
  6. Step 6: Roll each section into a rope about 15 inches long and 1 inch thick.
  7. Step 7: Cut the ropes into 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces using a sharp knife or scissors. You should have about 60 to 70 pieces. Optionally, score an “X” on top of each piece.
  8. Step 8: In a medium pot, bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil over medium heat.
  9. Step 9: Working in batches, add 8-10 pretzel bites to the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds.
  10. Step 10: Remove the boiled pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the whisked egg and sprinkle sea salt on top.
  11. Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. For extra color, broil for the last minute. Remove the pretzel bites and transfer them to a cooling rack.
  12. Step 12: While still warm, brush the tops of the pretzel bites with melted butter.
  13. Step 13: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • For a softer bite, brush the pretzels with butter before baking as well as after baking.
  • Add garlic powder or cinnamon sugar to the melted butter for a flavor twist.
  • Use coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for authentic topping texture.
  • Try dipping sauces like mustard, cheese sauce, or ranch for variety.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.

How to Serve

A close-up view of soft pretzel bites piled together shows a variety of light golden to deep amber browns with a glossy, slightly salted surface texture. Each bite varies in size and shape, with some pieces looking smooth and others showing rustic cracks. In the background, a small white round bowl holds a thick yellow mustard sauce, and a woman's hand is dipping one pretzel bite into it. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

Why do I boil the pretzel bites before baking?

Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzels their distinctive chewy texture and dark, shiny crust when baked.

Print
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Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (about 6070 pretzel bites) 1x

Description

This Pretzel Bites recipe is a delicious homemade snack featuring soft, chewy bites with a golden-brown crust. The dough is made with yeast for added fluffiness, briefly boiled in a baking soda solution to develop the characteristic pretzel texture and flavor, and baked to perfection. Perfectly brushed with melted butter and topped with sea salt, these bites are ideal for parties or casual snacking.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • 1 packet active yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Boiling Solution

  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water (for boiling)

Toppings

  • 1 large egg (whisked)
  • Sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Make yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, active yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. If not foamy, discard and repeat.
  2. Add salt: Stir in the Kosher salt into the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  4. Knead dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the all-purpose flour and yeast mixture. Knead on low to medium speed for 5 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
  5. Divide dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal sections.
  6. Roll out ropes: Roll each dough section into a rope about 15 inches long and 1 inch thick.
  7. Slice pretzel bites: Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut each rope into 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces, creating approximately 60 to 70 pretzel bites. Optionally, make a small “x” cut on top of each bite for the classic look.
  8. Boil baking soda water: In a medium pot, bring 8 cups of water mixed with 1/3 cup baking soda to a boil over medium heat.
  9. Boil pretzel bites: Add 8 to 10 pieces of dough to the boiling water at a time, boiling each batch for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Prepare for baking: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with the whisked egg, then sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
  11. Bake pretzel bites: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. For an extra browned top, broil for the last minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  12. Butter and serve: Remove pretzel bites from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure water is lukewarm (around 110°F/43°C) to properly activate yeast.
  • If the yeast doesn’t foam, the mixture might be too hot, too cold, or the yeast may be expired.
  • Boiling in baking soda water is essential to develop the pretzel’s characteristic crust and flavor.
  • Cutting an “x” on top is optional but gives a classic pretzel appearance.
  • Brush with egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust and help sea salt stick.
  • Serve with mustard, cheese dip, or any favorite sauce for a tasty snack.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pretzel bites, homemade pretzels, soft pretzels, snack recipe, party food

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