These soft pretzel bites are warm, chewy, and absolutely fun to eat! So easy to make, they are great for snacking or sharing during a movie night.
I can’t resist dipping them in mustard or cheese sauce—it’s like a little party in my mouth! 🥳 Plus, they go fast, so make a lot if you’re sharing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Temperature matters! It should be around 110°F (45°C) to help activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just test it; it should feel warm but not hot.
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for that fluffy texture! If you have instant yeast, you can use it in the same amount and skip the foaming step for quicker results.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the pretzel bites their chewiness. You can swap in whole wheat flour if you want a healthier option, but the texture will change a bit.
Baking Soda: This is key to that beautiful, golden crust. Don’t skip this step! If you need to cut back, using less baking soda won’t hurt, but the color won’t be as deep.
Coarse Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top is all it takes to enhance flavor! If you don’t have it, regular table salt will do, but use less as it’s saltier.
How Do I Get the Pretzel Bites Just Right?
Boiling the pretzel bites in a baking soda solution is what gives them that distinct flavor and texture. It may seem like an extra step, but it’s well worth it!
- Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot to prevent the pretzels from sticking.
- Be gentle when adding them; they can splatter! Use a slotted spatula to lower them in.
- Only boil them for 30 seconds. Overcooking makes them too tough!
After boiling, drying them well on paper towels before baking helps them crisp up nicely. Following these steps will give you that perfect chewy bite every time!
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp kosher salt
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. It includes about 1 hour for the dough to rise, plus around 15-20 minutes for prepping, boiling, and baking. Perfect for a fun snack or party time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour and kosher salt into the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir it together until a dough starts to form. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This makes your pretzel bites fluffy!
4. Prep the Baking Sheets:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and brush them lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This step is essential for that special pretzel flavor!
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 20 inches) and cut each rope into small pieces, around 1 1/2 inches wide.
7. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Using a slotted spatula, carefully drop about 10 pretzel bites into the boiling water at a time. Boil them for 30 seconds, then remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Apply Egg Wash:
Brush each boiled pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. This gives them that lovely golden color and flavor!
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Oh, they’ll smell amazing!
10. Cool Down and Serve:
After baking, take them out and transfer the pretzel bites to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve them warm with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Happy snacking! 🥨😊
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture. You may need to adjust the water amount a bit, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and knead it slightly before shaping and boiling.
What Can I Use Instead of Baking Soda?
If you’re out of baking soda, you can use baking powder as a substitute, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly. It’s best not to skip this step, as soda gives pretzels their characteristic color and taste.
