These buttery soft pretzel bites are warm, chewy, and oh-so-tasty! Perfect for snacking, they make a great treat for parties or movie nights at home.
Who can resist a warm pretzel bite dipped in mustard or cheese? I love making these for my friends. Everyone ends up fighting over the last one—it’s just too hard to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Keeping the water at the right temperature (110°F) is crucial for activating the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot to the touch. I’ve had success using a warm bowl of water from the tap!
Active Dry Yeast: This recipe uses active dry yeast, which is commonly found in stores. You can substitute instant yeast for a quicker rise; just skip the proofing step with water.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour gives these bites their perfect chewiness. If you need a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check if it contains xanthan gum.
Kosher Salt: This salt enhances the flavor of the pretzel bites. You can use sea salt or regular table salt, but use a bit less if you opt for the finer grains.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use melted coconut oil or vegan butter, which works well and adds a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pretzel Dough is Perfectly Kneaded?
Kneading is vital to developing gluten, which gives pretzels their chewy texture. Here’s how to knead effectively:
- Flour your work surface and hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, then fold it back over itself.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat the pushing and folding. Do this for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- You can check readiness by poking the dough; it should spring back slightly.
Trust me, the effort in kneading pays off with those perfect soft pretzel bites!
How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 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
- 2 tsp kosher salt, plus extra for topping
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
For the Boiling Solution:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For Topping:
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including the time needed for dough rising and baking. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes preparing the dough, and then let it rise before boiling and baking. Yum!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Yeast Mixture:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Making the Dough:
Add the flour, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter to your yeast mixture. Stir it all together until it forms a shaggy dough. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, dust it with a bit more flour.
3. Letting the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Set it aside in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here!
4. Prepping for Baking:
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, so the pretzels don’t stick.
5. Boiling the Pretzel Bites:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil. This is what gives the pretzels their chewy texture!
6. Shaping the Pretzel Bites:
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes, then cut those ropes into bite-sized pieces, about 1-1.5 inches long.
7. Boiling Each Batch:
Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches. Allow them to boil for 20-30 seconds—this helps to lock in that chewy texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Final Touches:
Brush each pretzel bite with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. You want them to look lovely and taste great!
9. Baking Time:
Bake your pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and smelling delicious!
10. Enjoying Your Treat:
Remove them from the oven and give them another light brush with melted butter for added richness. Serve them warm with cheese sauce or mustard for dipping. Enjoy every delectable bite!
And there you have it—deliciously warm and buttery soft pretzel bites, perfect for snacking or sharing with friends!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza or bread dough for a quicker option! Just roll it out and cut it into bite-sized pieces, then proceed with the boiling and baking instructions as stated.
What Can I Use Instead of Baking Soda?
If you don’t have baking soda, you can use baking powder, but the effect will be different. Baking soda gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and dark color; baking powder won’t do the same. If you’re in a pinch, it’s worth trying, but the final result may vary.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To enjoy them again, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to restore their warmth and softness.
Can I Freeze the Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! After boiling and before baking, place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just bake them for a couple of extra minutes until golden brown!
