These fun football-shaped soft pretzel bites are perfect for game day snacks! With their golden brown exterior and chewy inside, they’re as tasty as they are adorable.
These bites are easy to make and a hit with everyone. Just pop them in your mouth while cheering for your team! I love serving them with mustard or cheese dip for extra yum.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: The warm water activates the yeast. Make sure it’s around 110°F (45°C); too hot can kill the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm to the touch, like a comfortable bath water.
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for rising. If you have instant yeast, you can use it instead without proofing it first. Just add it directly with the flour.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure. You can swap half with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just note it might change the texture a bit.
Baking Soda: This is for boiling the pretzels, giving them that classic chewy texture. Don’t skip this step; it’s key for that pretzel flavor!
Coarse Sea Salt: Its crunch adds a nice finishing touch. If you can’t find it, regular salt works in a pinch – just use less of it since it’s finer.
How Do I Knead Dough for Perfect Soft Pretzels?
Kneading dough is simple and important. It develops gluten, giving your pretzels that perfect chewy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing the dough, turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back slightly when pressed.
Enjoy the process! Kneading can be a great way to relieve stress while making your kitchen smell amazing as the dough comes together. Happy baking!
How to Make Football Shaped Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For Boiling:
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
For Topping:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- White icing or melted white chocolate (for football laces decoration)
Optional:
- Mustard or cheese dip for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes on preparation and making the dough, 1 hour for it to rise, and then 12-15 minutes baking the pretzels. With a little patience, you’ll have delicious, warm pretzel bites perfect for any event!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You should see it become foamy, which means the yeast is activated and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky at first—just keep mixing!
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it with your hands for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back if you poke it.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm spot in your kitchen, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is a good time to preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Prepare for Boiling:
While the dough is rising, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them. Also, in a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces, about 1.5-2 inches each. Roll each piece into an oval or football shape, making the ends slightly longer.
7. Score the Pretzels:
Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts on each pretzel to create indentations like the segments of a football. This step adds a fun, decorative touch!
8. Boil the Pretzels:
Carefully drop a few shaped pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 20-30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Add Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash, then generously sprinkle coarse sea salt over them. This adds flavor and that classic pretzel look!
10. Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They should turn golden brown and smell amazing!
11. Decorate and Serve:
Let the pretzel bites cool slightly. Once cooled, use white icing or melted white chocolate to pipe on the laces across the top of each pretzel—making them look just like footballs!
Serve them warm with mustard or cheese dip if desired. Enjoy your delicious Football Shaped Soft Pretzel Bites!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind, the texture may be a bit denser, but it will still taste great!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them completely before reheating!
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to the yeast being expired or the water being too hot or too cold. Ensure you’re using fresh yeast and warm water (around 110°F/45°C) for the best results. If it hasn’t risen after an hour, you could try moving it to a warmer spot and give it more time.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Smaller or Larger?
Yes, you can adjust the size based on your preference! Just remember that baking times may vary—smaller bites will bake faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
