These soft pretzel bites are fluffy, warm, and just the right amount of chewy. Perfect for snacking, they are tossed in coarse salt that makes each bite irresistible!
Honestly, there’s nothing like warm pretzel bites fresh out of the oven. I like to dip them in cheese sauce—it’s pure joy! What’s your favorite dip? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: The water should be around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just test it with your finger—warm but not hot works well!
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for giving the pretzel bites their rise. If you can’t find this, use instant yeast; just mix it in with the dry ingredients instead of activating it first.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create the perfect chewy texture. If you want to make them a little healthier, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour.
Baking Soda: This is used for boiling the pretzel bites to give them that classic brown color and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s vital for that authentic pretzel taste!
Coarse Pretzel Salt: While this adds great salty flavor, you can use regular sea salt in a pinch. However, the larger flakes of pretzel salt give a crunch that’s just right.
How Do I Boil the Pretzel Bites Properly?
Boiling the pretzel bites is a key step for achieving their unique texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of water, with baking soda added, to a rolling boil. This creates the alkaline solution that helps to develop that chewy crust.
- Drop the pretzel bites in batches—about 4-5 at a time—so they have room to float and can’t stick together.
- Boil for about 30 seconds; use a slotted spoon to keep them from overcooking.
- Once boiled, gently place them on the prepared baking sheets and brush them with the beaten egg right away—this helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
These small details make a big difference in the final product! Enjoy your baking!
Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse pretzel salt for sprinkling
- Optional: Cheese dip or mustard for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the dough, 1 hour letting it rise, and then 15 minutes baking the pretzel bites. So, a little patience is all you need for these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes frothy on top—this means the yeast is activated and ready for action!
2. Make the Dough:
Next, add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until it starts to come together, then knead the mixture by hand or use a mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes. You want your dough to be smooth and elastic when you’re done.
3. Let It Rise:
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size—this should take around 1 hour.
4. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so that your pretzel bites don’t stick.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Once boiling, carefully add in the baking soda—this will create bubbles, so be cautious!
6. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20 inches long, and then cut them into 1-inch pieces. These will be your pretzel bites!
7. Boil and Bake:
Using a slotted spoon, drop several pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets. This step makes them chewy and golden! After that, brush each bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and look delicious!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the pretzel bites cool slightly before enjoying them warm. They go perfectly with cheese dip or mustard, so dive in and savor every bite!
Enjoy your soft, chewy, salty pretzel bites fresh from the oven! 🥨
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it might affect the texture slightly, making the bites a bit denser.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Baking Soda?
Baking soda is crucial for the boiling step to achieve that classic pretzel taste, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use baking powder as a substitute. However, the flavor and color may not be exactly the same.
Can I Add Flavors or Toppings to the Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! You can incorporate garlic powder, cheese powder, or even herbs into the dough for extra flavor. Additionally, try topping them with everything bagel seasoning or chopped herbs before baking for a twist!
