These soft pretzel bites are warm, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! With a golden-brown exterior and a fluffy interior, they make the perfect snack or party treat.
There’s nothing quite like tearing into these tasty bites. They pair wonderfully with cheese sauce or mustard for dipping. Trust me, once you start, it’s hard to stop! 😄
I love making these pretzel bites for movie nights. They’re easy to whip up and bring everyone together. Grab a few to share, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Make sure your water is warm, not hot! This helps activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just use water that’s comfortable to touch.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is a must for this recipe, but if you’re out, you can use instant yeast instead. Just skip the proofing step, mix it directly with dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your pretzels. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that the texture will differ slightly.
Baking Soda: This is crucial for achieving that pretzel flavor and texture. Don’t skip it! If you’re looking for a less salty option, you can reduce the amount added to the boiling water.
Coarse Sea Salt: This adds flavor on top of the pretzels. If you don’t have it, regular table salt works too, but use it sparingly since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Pretzel Bites?
The key to getting those soft, chewy pretzel bites lies in the boiling step! Boiling the dough in water mixed with baking soda creates that characteristic flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil—be careful, as it can bubble up!
- Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds. This helps them puff up.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and allow any excess water to drain before placing them on the baking sheet.
Taking these steps ensures your pretzel bites have that amazing chewy texture everyone loves!
How to Make 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
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour and 30 minutes total, including the rising and baking. You’ll have delicious, warm pretzel bites ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir it gently to combine, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture foaming—that’s the yeast working!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix until it forms a rough dough. Once it starts to come together, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Knead the Dough:
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. If your dough is sticking to your hands or the counter, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
4. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is key for making your pretzels fluffy!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
6. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This is where the magic happens, giving pretzels that classic taste!
7. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18-20 inches long, then cut the ropes into 1 1/2-2 inch pieces to create your pretzel bites.
8. Boil the Bites:
Drop the pretzel bites, a few at a time, into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking trays. This is what gives them that charming texture!
9. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg to help them brown nicely in the oven. Then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt for added flavor.
10. Bake:
Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. They’re best served warm!
Enjoy your soft pretzel bites with some mustard, cheese sauce, or any dip you love. Happy snacking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option! Keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly, making the bites a bit denser.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven to restore their softness!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Vegan?
Absolutely! To make them vegan, simply omit the egg wash and skip it when brushing the pretzels. You can sprinkle them with coarse salt right after boiling instead! For a richer flavor, consider using a bit of olive oil or melted vegan butter to brush them before baking.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to the yeast being expired or the water being too hot or too cold. Make sure to check the yeast’s expiration date and always test the temperature of the water before mixing it in. If all else fails, try again with fresh yeast!
