Soft pretzel bites are warm, fluffy treats that are perfect for snacking or sharing. They are coated in a sprinkle of coarse salt, giving them that classic pretzel flavor.
These bites are super fun to make! I love serving them with cheese dip or mustard because, let’s be honest, everything is better with a dip. 😄
Making these pretzel bites is easy—just mix the dough, shape them, and bake. They’re ready in no time, making snack time feel like a party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: It’s crucial to use water around 110°F for activating yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, test it with your wrist; it should feel warm, not hot.
Active Dry Yeast: If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount. Just mix it directly with the flour, skipping the foam step.
All-Purpose Flour: This is ideal for pretzel bites. If you’re in need, bread flour offers a nice chewy texture, while whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor but may require a bit more water.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for its pure flavor. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work nicely.
Coarse Sea Salt: This gives pretzel bites their signature crunch. If unavailable, kosher salt is a great substitute. Just sprinkle a little more or less according to your taste.
How Do You Get That Chewy Pretzel Texture?
The secret to that chewy texture lies in the baking soda bath! This step creates the pretzel-like crust. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Boil your baking soda in water before dropping in the pretzel bites. This helps to develop that characteristic color and flavor.
- Only boil the pretzel bites for about 30 seconds; overdoing it can make them too tough.
- Make sure to drain them well with a slotted spoon before placing them on the baking sheet to prevent excess water from affecting the baking process.
These tips will help you achieve that perfect soft pretzel bite right at home! Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Make Delicious Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional: cheese sauce or mustard for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise, and around 15 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 35 minutes in total before you can enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to mix, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets foamy and bubbly—this means the yeast is activated!
2. Make the Dough:
Now, add in the flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix everything together until a dough forms. It will be a little sticky, and that’s okay.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps to develop the gluten, giving your pretzel bites their chewy texture.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the perfect time to tidy up your kitchen!
5. Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—make sure they’re ready to go!
6. Boil the Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a gentle boil. This step helps create that delicious pretzel crust!
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, then cut it into 1-inch squares.
8. Boil the Dough Pieces:
Carefully drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water in batches, boiling each batch for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Egg Wash & Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle them evenly with coarse sea salt. This gives them that beautiful finish and adds flavor.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Now, pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and smell heavenly!
11. Cool & Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your pretzel bites cool slightly. They’re best served warm with your favorite cheese sauce or mustard for dipping!
Dig in and enjoy the warm, soft goodness of your homemade pretzel bites! Perfect for snacking, sharing, or just treating yourself!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. You might need to add a bit more water, as whole wheat absorbs more moisture. Start with the original amount and gradually add water until the dough reaches the right consistency.
How Do I Know When the Dough Has Risen Enough?
The dough should double in size after about an hour of rising. You can test it by gently poking it with your finger; if the indentation remains, it’s ready! If it springs back, let it rise a little longer.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and knead it in. Just be careful not to add too much flour, or the pretzel bites could become tough!
How Can I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for the best taste and texture.
