These fluffy soft pretzel bites are the perfect snack for any time. They’re warm, chewy, and just a bit salty, making them totally irresistible!
I love dipping them in mustard or cheese sauce—it’s a party in your mouth! Plus, making them is super fun, especially when you shape the bites. Let’s get pretzel-making!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: The water should be around 110°F to 115°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot. This temperature helps activate the yeast!
Active Dry Yeast: A packet of dry yeast works best. If you only have instant yeast, you can use it straight without proofing in water. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour is typical, you could use bread flour for a chewier texture. Whole wheat flour can also be a healthier alternative but may yield a denser pretzel bite.
Baking Soda: This is essential for the boiling step which gives pretzels their unique flavor. Don’t skip this! For a lower-sodium option, use potassium bicarbonate.
Egg Wash: This gives the pretzels a nice golden color. If you’re vegan, you can brush them with a mixture of almond milk and a bit of maple syrup instead.
How Do I Perfectly Knead Dough for Fluffy Pretzel Bites?
Kneading is key to developing gluten, which gives your pretzels their chewy texture. You want to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Here’s a quick guide:
- Lightly flour your surface and place the dough on it.
- Fold the dough in half, then push down and away with your palms. Turn it a quarter turn and repeat.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
- Check if it’s done: poke it with a finger, and if it springs back, you’re good to go!
With these tips and insights, your pretzel bites will be a hit! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp kosher salt
For Boiling:
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
For the Topping:
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional dip: mustard or cheese sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of rising time. Then, you’ll spend around 15 minutes baking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water with the active dry yeast and the granulated sugar. Stir it gently, then let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms. It should be somewhat sticky but still manageable.
3. Knead the Dough:
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead it with a dough hook for about 4-5 minutes instead.
4. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prepare for your delicious bites!
6. Prepare the Boiling Water:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This step is crucial as it gives the pretzel bites their unique flavor and chewy texture.
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1- to 1.5-inch pieces to form your pretzel bites.
8. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Once done, remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt. This step adds extra flavor to your bites!
10. Bake:
Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a nice golden brown color.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with your choice of mustard or cheese sauce for dipping!
Enjoy your homemade soft pretzel bites—a delightful snack for any occasion!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture may be denser, so you might want to mix it with a bit of all-purpose flour (about 50/50) for a lighter result.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers 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. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to bring back their softness.
Can I Freeze Soft Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! Cool the pretzel bites completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to dead yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water was at the right temperature (not too hot, not too cold). If you’re unsure, try proofing the yeast again before mixing with the flour.
