Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

These Soft Pretzel Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for parties, game day, or any occasion. With a soft and chewy texture, a golden brown crust, and a sprinkle of coarse salt, these bite-sized pretzels are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to disappear quickly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Soft Pretzel Bites:

• Warm water: Lukewarm, for activating the yeast.
• Instant or active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
• Brown sugar or granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled, adds richness and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture.
• Coarse salt or coarse sea salt: For topping.

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• Baking soda: Helps create the characteristic pretzel flavor and color.
• Water: Used for the baking soda bath.

Optional for Serving:

• Spicy cheese sauce or mustard: For dipping.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or dough hook attachment (or a large mixing bowl), whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy. Add the salt, melted butter, and 3 cups of flour. Beat on low speed for 1 minute, then add ¾ cup more flour. Beat until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 2 minutes. If the dough is extremely sticky, add the remaining ¼ cup of flour.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough in the stand mixer for 5 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. If the dough becomes too sticky during kneading, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour at a time on the dough or work surface until it becomes a soft, slightly tacky dough. Avoid adding too much flour.

Step 3: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough loosely with a towel and let it rest for 10-30 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If using parchment paper, lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 20-inch rope. If the dough is too sticky and difficult to roll, let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax. Cut each rope into 1.5-2 inch pieces to make the bites.

Step 6: Baking Soda Bath

In a large pot, combine the water and baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil. Working in batches, place 8-10 pretzel bites in the boiling water for 10-15 seconds. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle each bite with coarse sea salt while still wet. Repeat with the remaining pretzel bites.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as spicy cheese sauce or mustard.

How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites

• Snack: These Soft Pretzel Bites are delicious on their own as a simple and satisfying snack.
• With Dipping Sauces: Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cheese sauce, mustard, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar coating (see instructions in the Notes section).
• Party Food: Serve them as a fun and shareable appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and store leftover pretzel bites at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may lose a little softness over time. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

If planning to freeze baked pretzel bites, do not top them with coarse salt before baking. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, brush frozen pretzel bites with water and sprinkle with coarse salt, then bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave frozen pretzel bites until warm. The prepared pretzel dough can be covered and refrigerated for up to one day or frozen in an airtight container for 2–3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight. Refrigerated dough can be shaped into pretzel bites while still cold, but allow some extra time, about 1 hour, for the pretzel bites to puff up before continuing with the baking soda bath and baking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Bread flour is ideal if you have it, but all-purpose flour works well too. Avoid using whole wheat flour, as it will make the pretzels denser.

Can I make these pretzel bites without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand.

Can I make cinnamon sugar pretzel bites?

Yes, follow the instructions in the Notes section for a sweet cinnamon sugar coating.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Soft Pretzel Bites that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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