Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites (Printable Version)
Soft, chewy golden bites perfect for snacking or parties. Serve warm with cheese or mustard.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1½ cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Baking Soda Bath
07 - ⅔ cup baking soda
08 - 10 cups water
→ Topping
09 - 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
10 - Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
02 - Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough comes together.
03 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
06 - Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat.
07 - Punch down the risen dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
08 - Working in batches, drop the dough bites into the boiling baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and arrange on the prepared baking sheets.
09 - Brush each pretzel bite with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
10 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops are deep golden brown.
11 - Let the pretzel bites cool slightly on the pans. Serve warm with cheese sauce, spicy mustard, or honey mustard.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That chewy, golden crust comes straight from your own oven, no mall food court required.
- They disappear faster than anything else at a party, so maybe double the batch.
02 -
- The baking soda bath is what separates a dinner roll from a pretzel, so never skip it.
- Boiling too many bites at once drops the water temperature and leads to uneven coloring.
03 -
- Roll the dough ropes on an unfloured section of counter so they grip and stretch evenly.
- Dont overcrowd the baking sheets or the bites steam instead of browning properly.