Soft Pretzel Bites (Easy Recipe)
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Soft pretzel bites are a tasty snack you can make at home. They’re chewy on the inside with a crispy golden crust. You can create these yummy treats with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water.
The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish. Most of that time is for the dough to rise. You’ll shape the dough into small pieces and give them a quick dip in boiling water with baking soda. This step helps create that classic pretzel flavor and texture. Then you’ll bake them until they’re golden brown.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious soft pretzel bites. The ingredients are divided into three parts for the dough, baking soda bath, and egg wash.
For the Dough
You’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water or milk (110°F)
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 packet (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Non-stick spray
Mix these ingredients to form your dough. Start with the liquids, then add the dry ingredients. You might need a bit more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
For the Baking Soda Bath
For this step, you’ll use:
- 12 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
This bath gives your pretzel bites their classic flavor and helps create that golden-brown crust. Boil the water first, then add the baking soda.
For the Egg Wash
You’ll need:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Beat these together to make your egg wash. This will give your pretzel bites a nice shine and help toppings stick if you choose to add any.
Remember to have your oven preheated to 425°F before you start baking. Happy pretzel making!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Roll out the dough into a flat disc. Cut it into 8 wedges. Roll each wedge into a 24-inch rope. Slice the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the boiling water.
Drop 8-10 dough pieces into the boiling water. Let them cook for 35 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the greased baking sheet.
Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this over the tops of the boiled pretzel bites.
Sprinkle coarse salt on top of the pretzel bites if desired.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade soft pretzel bites warm! They’re perfect for dipping in cheese sauce or mustard.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily switch up this pretzel bite recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some tasty options:
Flour substitutes:
- Whole wheat flour (use 3/4 cup for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour)
- Gluten-free flour blend (use a 1:1 ratio)
Milk alternatives:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Soy milk
Try these fun flavor variations:
- Cinnamon sugar: Brush baked bites with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix garlic powder and grated Parmesan into the dough
- Jalapeño cheddar: Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar to the dough
For a healthier twist, skip the butter coating and sprinkle with herbs or seeds instead. You can also make bigger pretzels by shaping the dough into traditional pretzel shapes before baking.
Remember to adjust baking times slightly if you make larger pretzels or use different flours. Happy baking!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best pretzel bites, make sure your water is around 100°F when activating the yeast. This wakes it up without killing it.
Don’t rush the rising process. Let the dough double in size for soft, fluffy bites.
When shaping, aim for even-sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate.
The baking soda bath is key for that classic pretzel flavor and color. Don’t skip it!
Brush the bites with egg wash before baking. It gives them a nice shine and helps toppings stick.
You can freeze unbaked pretzel bites. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. They’ll taste fresh-baked!
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Get creative with toppings! Try cinnamon sugar, everything bagel seasoning, or grated cheese for variety.