Description
These Soft Pretzel Bites are a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. With their soft and chewy texture, golden brown exterior, and sprinkle of coarse salt, they’re a delicious and easy-to-make treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 100°F/38°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 3/4 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled, plus more for dusting
- Coarse salt or coarse sea salt, for topping
Baking Soda Bath:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 9 cups water
Optional for Serving:
- Spicy cheese sauce or your favorite mustard
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl or large 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. Scrape down the sides, add ¾ cup more flour, and beat until the dough comes together. If sticky, add the remaining ¼ cup flour.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough in the mixer for 5 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface. If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 teaspoon at a time. After kneading, the dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
- Rest: Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-30 minutes.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If using parchment paper, lightly grease it.
- Shape: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 20-inch rope. Cut each rope into 1.5-2 inch pieces.
- Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil. Add 8-10 pretzel bites to the boiling water for 10-15 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and let excess water drip off. Place on the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with coarse salt. Repeat with the remaining pretzel bites.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing: Baked pretzel bites can be frozen (without salt) for up to 3 months. To reheat, brush with water, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes. Dough can be refrigerated for 1 day or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Flour: Bread flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet variation, skip the salt and toss warm pretzel bites in melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Egg Wash: You can brush the boiled pretzel bites with a beaten egg before salting for a shiny finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
