These soft pretzel bites are a cozy snack everyone loves! They’re chewy, golden brown, and just the right amount of salty. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Honestly, they disappear fast at my house. I like to dip them in cheese sauce or mustard—you can’t go wrong! Give them a try, and I bet you’ll have a new favorite snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: It’s vital to use warm water to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just ensure it’s warm to your wrist but not hot. If you’re avoiding water, try unsweetened almond or soy milk for a twist.
Active Dry Yeast: If you have instant yeast at home, you can use that instead. Just add it straight with the flour; no need to let it bloom first. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
All-Purpose Flour: This is key for the texture. If you want to try something different, bread flour can give it extra chewiness. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Coarse Sea Salt: This is what gives pretzels that classic salty crunch. If you don’t have it, kosher salt can work as a substitute. Just remember to use less since it’s coarser!
How Do I Properly Boil Pretzel Bites and Get That Perfect Color?
Boiling the bites in a baking soda solution is crucial! This step gives them that classic pretzel flavor and color. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your water is boiling before adding the baking soda; then it will stay at a rolling boil.
- Carefully drop in the pretzel bites, but don’t overcrowd the pot. Boil in batches for about 30 seconds each.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently lift them out, allowing excess water to drain before placing them on the baking sheet.
Taking this step seriously seriously leads to a chewy interior and perfectly browned exterior. Happy baking!
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: Cheese sauce or mustard for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep work, 15 minutes for baking, and 1 hour for the dough to rise. Make sure to account for the time it takes to boil the pretzel bites, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is active! Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring to combine. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is important for the pretzel bites to become fluffy!
3. Prepare for Baking:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
4. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Punch down the risen dough and place it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each part into a long rope about 1-inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to create the pretzel bites.
5. Boil and Bake:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water in batches. Boil each batch for 30 seconds, then remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of each pretzel bite generously with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
6. Final Baking:
Once you’ve prepared all the bites, bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. When they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your soft pretzel bites are now ready to be served! They taste best warm, and you can dip them in cheese sauce or mustard. Enjoy this delicious snack with family and friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. You might need to add a little more water to achieve the right consistency, as whole wheat flour tends to absorb more moisture. Start with an additional tablespoon and adjust as needed!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was between 100°F and 110°F. If it still doesn’t rise, try placing the dough in a warmer area or a slightly heated oven (turned off) for better results.
How to Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Smaller or Larger?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the bites to your preference. Just keep in mind that smaller bites may need less baking time, while larger ones may require a few extra minutes in the oven. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!