These Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are warm, chewy, and simply irresistible! Coated in a sprinkle of salt, they make the perfect snack for any time of the day.
They’re so easy to make, and trust me, your friends will love them. I like to dip mine in cheese sauce or mustard. Who can resist a good pretzel bite showdown? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: This is key for activating the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the water feels warm to touch but not hot! For a slight twist, you can use milk instead, which adds richness.
Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast can be used if that’s what you have. One packet is about 2 1/4 teaspoons. If you don’t have yeast, unfortunately, you can’t make pretzels as they need this ingredient for rise.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the pretzel bites their chewy texture. You can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that this might change the texture a bit.
Baking Soda: This is crucial for creating that pretzel color and flavor during boiling. There’s no real substitute for this, but using baking powder will not yield the same results.
Egg: This helps give the pretzel bites a glossy finish. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use a mixture of chickpea flour and water or a store-bought egg substitute.
How Do I Perfectly Boil My Pretzel Bites?
Boiling your pretzel bites is a vital step for achieving that classic soft pretzel taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and add the baking soda carefully (it will fizz!). This changes the dough’s surface, giving it that deep, golden color.
- Once boiling, gently drop in the pretzel bites with a slotted spoon but don’t overcrowd the pot. Work in batches of about 10–15.
- Boil each batch for just 30 seconds. This might look quick, but it’s essential—too long and they’ll become tough.
- After boiling, let them drain a bit before putting them on the baking sheets.
Getting the boiling just right is crucial for a classic pretzel bite texture. Enjoy snacking on these warm treats!
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 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
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: Mustard or cheese sauce for dipping
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, plus about 1 hour for the dough to rise. So, in total, you’ll spend approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes creating these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to rise!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl nicely.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it with your hands for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. This process is essential to develop the gluten which will give your pretzels that perfect chewy texture.
4. Let It Rise:
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You can say hi to your dough during this time!
5. Preheat & Prepare:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help your pretzel bites not to stick once they are baked.
6. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda carefully—watch out for any fizz! Once boiling, punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a long log about 1 inch thick.
7. Cut and Shape:
Cut the dough into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces to create your pretzel bites. Using a slotted spoon, drop a batch of pretzel bites (10–15) into the boiling baking soda water. Boil them for about 30 seconds, then use the slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Brush and Season:
Once all pretzel bites are boiled, brush each with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden finish as they bake. Sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt for that classic pretzel taste!
9. Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
10. Serve:
Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve your warm pretzel bites with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy every bite of these soft, golden delights!
Happy snacking! 😊
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in a 1:1 ratio. Just remember that instant yeast doesn’t need to be dissolved in water first, so you can mix it directly with your dry ingredients.
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, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results!
Can I Add Cheese to the Dough?
Absolutely! For cheesy pretzel bites, you can mix in shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) into the dough after kneading. Just be aware that this might alter the texture slightly, but it will be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Coarse Sea Salt?
If you don’t have coarse sea salt, you can use kosher salt or regular table salt. Just use a lighter hand with table salt as it’s finer and saltier, so a smaller amount will suffice!
