These soft pretzel bites are little pieces of heaven! They’re warm, chewy, and perfectly salty. Great for dipping in mustard or cheese sauce!
I love making these for movie nights. They disappear so fast, and everyone fights over the last one! Seriously, who can resist that soft texture? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is key for making the pretzel dough rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead; just skip the foaming step.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure of the pretzel bites. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour, though the texture may vary.
Baking Soda: Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water gives them their signature brown color and flavor. Don’t swap this for baking powder; it’s not the same!
Coarse Kosher Salt: This adds flavor and a crunchy top. If you can’t find kosher salt, sea salt works too. Just reduce the amount used since it’s finer.
How Do You Knead Dough Like a Pro?
Kneading dough may seem tricky, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. This technique helps develop the gluten, giving pretzel bites their chewiness. Follow these steps for success:
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Do this for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Touch the dough; it should spring back when pressed. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed!
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Coarse kosher salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or cheese sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise. Baking will take an additional 12-14 minutes. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these tasty pretzel bites in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy on top—that shows the yeast is active!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is combined, and a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as necessary.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°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 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil. While the water is heating, turn out your risen dough onto a floured surface.
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1-inch in diameter. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized pretzel portions.
8. Boil the Dough Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, place the pretzel bites in the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash for a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle them generously with coarse kosher salt.
10. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much!
11. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. These pretzel bites are delicious served warm with mustard or your favorite cheese dip!
Enjoy these delightful soft pretzel bites—perfect for sharing (or not!). They’re soft on the inside with a lovely salted crust. Happy munching!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can! If using instant yeast, there’s no need to proof it in water; just mix it directly with the flour and salt. This will save you a few minutes in prep time!
Can I Freeze the Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky while kneading, don’t fret! Simply sprinkle a little more flour onto the surface and continue kneading until it reaches a smoother consistency. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can affect the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, but let them sit at room temperature before reheating to help restore some of their softness.
