These soft pretzel bites are warm, fluffy, and perfect for snacking. They have a golden-brown crust and a lovely chewy inside that will make you smile with every bite!
Honestly, there’s nothing like fresh pretzel bites dipped in cheese or mustard. I always end up munching on a few too many. Who can resist? 😄
I love making these for movie nights. They’re easy to whip up, and everyone loves dipping them! Just grab your favorite dip and enjoy this tasty treat together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: This is crucial for activating your yeast. Make sure it’s not too hot or cold; 110°F (43°C) is just right. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm to the touch, like warm bath water.
Active Dry Yeast: A standard for baking, this helps your dough rise. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Just use the same amount, no need for proofing!
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the pretzels their fluffiness. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may differ slightly.
Baking Soda: This is key for giving pretzels their distinctive flavor and chewy texture. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes them taste like pretzels!
Coarse Sea Salt: It enhances the flavor on the outside. If you can’t find coarse salt, regular table salt works in a pinch, though it will dissolve more quickly. Adjust the amount to taste!
How Do You Properly Knead Dough?
Kneading is an important step to develop the gluten in your dough, giving pretzel bites their chewy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- First, dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking.
- Take your dough and fold it in half, pushing it away from you with the heels of your hands.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn, fold, and push again. Repeat for about 5-7 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as you knead.
If you’re feeling tired, it’s okay to let a stand mixer do the job for you! Just use the dough hook for about 5-6 minutes.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: mustard or cheese dip for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, along with 1 hour for the dough to rise. Once the dough is ready, cooking takes about 15 minutes. So overall, you’ll be enjoying these soft pretzel bites in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This shows that the yeast is activated and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the dough starts to form. It should be a bit sticky but workable.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If needed, sprinkle a bit more flour to avoid sticking.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size. This is when it gets fluffy!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While you wait for the dough to rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
6. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Be careful; it can bubble up!
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each portion into a long rope about ½ inch thick, then cut it into 1-inch pieces.
8. Boil the Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, dip each piece into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This step gives them that classic chewy texture. Remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish. Remember to sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt for that amazing flavor!
10. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The aroma will be irresistible!
11. Let Them Cool:
Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting!
12. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve these warm pretzel bites with your favorite dipping sauce, like mustard or cheese. Perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings!
Enjoy your homemade soft pretzel bites! They’re a delightful treat that everyone will love! 😋
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may yield a denser texture. A good approach is to use a mix of both flours (e.g., 50/50) for a lighter result while still adding some whole grain goodness.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to the yeast being expired or the water temperature being too hot or cold. Make sure your warm water is around 110°F (43°C). If it’s not rising after an hour, try moving it to a warmer location or consider starting with fresh yeast.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to warm them up and restore their crispiness.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Smaller?
Absolutely! You can cut the dough into smaller pieces if you prefer mini pretzel bites. Just adjust the boiling time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through, about 20 seconds should be sufficient. Enjoy!
