Irresistible Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
Irresistible Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites offer a perfect balance of chewy, tender inside with a classic pretzel crunch outside. Made from simple pantry staples, these bite-sized snacks are quick and fun to prepare, customizable with savory or sweet variations, and ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cozy treat.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 48 pretzel bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (divided)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Baking Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: melted unsalted butter, for brushing after baking
- Prepare the Dough: Activate your yeast by dissolving it in warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit until bubbly and alive, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead gently for 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shape and Cut: After rising, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a long, even rope about 1-inch thick. Cut the rope into small, bite-sized pieces about 1 inch wide, preparing them for the boiling bath.
- Boil in Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and slowly add the baking soda. Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds each to develop the classic pretzel crust. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Salt and Bake: Immediately sprinkle coarse salt over the boiled pretzel bites. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Allow the pretzel bites to cool for a few minutes. Optionally brush with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Serve warm with your favorite dips or enjoy them on their own.
Notes
- Use water at about 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is essential for the pretzels’ authentic flavor and crust.
- Roll the dough rope evenly to ensure the pretzel bites cook uniformly.
- Brushing with melted butter after baking adds shine and helps toppings adhere.
- Cool pretzel bites slightly before storing to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pretzel bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: soft pretzel bites, homemade pretzels, snack recipe, party appetizers, easy baking, soft pretzels