These buttery soft pretzel bites are warm, chewy, and oh-so-tasty! Perfect for snacking or sharing, they’re sprinkled with a little salt for that classic pretzel flavor.
Honestly, who can resist warm, fresh pretzels? I love enjoying them with some mustard or cheese sauce. It’s a simple treat that always makes me smile! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient helps the dough rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead, and skip the foaming step.
All-Purpose Flour: I usually stick with all-purpose flour for the best texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though the texture may vary.
Unsalted Butter: For the rich taste, unsalted butter is best. If you’d like to lower the fat, you could substitute with a butter alternative or use olive oil for brushing.
Baking Soda: This is essential for the pretzel bath that gives them their signature color and flavor. Don’t skip this step! If you need a low-sodium option, you can reduce the amount, but the flavor might change.
How Do You Achieve That Perfect Soft Pretzel Texture?
Getting that chewy and buttery texture is key for soft pretzel bites. One step to focus on is boiling the bites before baking to create that distinctive outer crust. Here’s how:
- Boil about 10 cups of water and stir in the baking soda.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully place the pretzel bites in the boiling water for 20-30 seconds. This gives them their chewy exterior.
- Place the boiled bites onto the baking sheets and brush them with melted butter for extra flavor.
- Make sure to bake them until they are golden brown, which typically takes about 12-14 minutes.
Trust me, the effort in boiling pays off for that perfect pretzel bite. And don’t forget to serve them warm! Enjoy! 🥨
How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: Cheese sauce or mustard for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours total. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and then about 30 minutes for boiling and baking. In no time, you’ll have delicious buttery soft pretzel bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the flour, kosher salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. You want everything to come together nicely!
3. Knead the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes if that’s easier for you!
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This will make your pretzels fluffy!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and give them a light grease.
6. Prepare the Boiling Bath:
Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, and gradually stir in the baking soda. This bath will give your pretzel bites that classic pretzel flavor and color.
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled surface. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 20 inches long and cut it into 1-1.5 inch pieces to form your pretzel bites.
8. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully add the pretzel bites to the boiling baking soda water for about 20-30 seconds. Remove them with the slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Brush with Butter and Add Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with some melted butter, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt. This part adds flavor and crunch!
10. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown. The smell will be amazing!
11. Final Touch:
When they’re done baking, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and brush them again with melted butter while they’re warm. This keeps them extra tasty and buttery!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delightful pretzel bites warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or whichever dip you love. They’re perfect for snacking or sharing!
Enjoy your soft, buttery pretzel bites – crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside with a wonderful buttery finish!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for the texture we want, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just be aware that the texture might vary a bit.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the pretzel bites, and freeze them before boiling. When you’re ready to bake, boil them straight from the freezer, then follow the baking steps. Just allow for a little additional baking time!
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, make sure your yeast is fresh! Yeast can go bad over time. Also, check that your warm water isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast. Look for a cozy spot for rising, like inside a turned-off oven or a warm corner of your kitchen.
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, you can also freeze them. Just reheat them in the oven to restore their deliciousness before serving!
