Description
These Super Easy Soft Pretzel Bites are a delicious homemade snack perfect for any occasion. With a golden-brown crust and a soft, chewy interior, these bite-sized pretzels are dipped in a baking soda bath to achieve their classic flavor and texture. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re great for parties, game days, or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Baking Soda Bath
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 cups water
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean towel, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and makes shaping easier.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Divide the rested dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces to form your pretzel bites.
- Prepare baking soda bath: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a simmer and stir in the baking soda until dissolved. Dip each pretzel bite into this bath for 20 to 30 seconds, which helps develop the pretzel’s characteristic crust and flavor.
- Arrange for baking: Place the dipped pretzel bites on the prepared baking sheets. Brush them generously with melted butter and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for seasoning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pretzel bites are golden brown. For extra richness, you can brush additional melted butter on the pretzels right after baking.
- Serve: Enjoy your soft pretzel bites warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as mustard, cheese dip, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives pretzels their chewy texture.
- The baking soda bath is essential for achieving the classic pretzel crust.
- You can add cinnamon sugar instead of sea salt for a sweet version.
- Serve pretzel bites immediately for best taste and texture.
