These soft pretzel bites are warm, chewy, and perfect for snacking! They’re golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a real treat.
Dip them in mustard or cheese for an extra zing! I love making these for movie night—everyone goes for seconds (and sometimes thirds)! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: This water helps activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot to your touch. You can use milk instead for a richer flavor, just warm it slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for rising. If you have instant yeast, you can use that as well. It doesn’t need to be activated first—just mix it right into the flour.
All-Purpose Flour: This is great for texture, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Just note that you might need a little more water!
Baking Soda: Adds a nice color and flavor when boiling the pretzel bites. Do not skip this step! You can’t substitute it with baking powder.
Coarse Sea Salt: It gives that classic pretzel taste. If you don’t have it, regular table salt will work, but use less as it’s stronger. You could also use garlic or onion powder for a twist!
How Do You Achieve That Chewy Texture?
The secret to the chewy texture of pretzel bites lies in the boiling step. This is what gives pretzels their signature crust. Using baking soda in the boiling water enhances the color and flavor.
- Before boiling, divide the dough into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t crowd the pot; boil in batches to prevent sticking.
- Boil each piece for just 30 seconds—this is key! Too long and they’ll become tough.
Once boiled, the pretzel bites will develop a beautiful golden crust while baking! Enjoy the chewy goodness and dip them in your favorite sauces!
Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: cheese sauce or mustard for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour for the dough to rise and around 30 minutes for preparation and baking, so a total of about 1.5 hours! It’s a fun and rewarding project, perfect for a cozy snack or party treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activating the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, which means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Making the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until just combined and a dough forms. It may be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!
3. Kneading the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you have one—mix for about 5 minutes!
4. Letting the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You can turn on your oven to the lowest setting for a bit, then turn it off and place the bowl inside to keep it warm.
5. Preparing to Bake:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly brush them with oil to prevent sticking.
6. Boiling Water:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water along with the baking soda to a rolling boil. The baking soda gives the pretzels their unique flavor and color.
7. Shaping the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch thick, and cut into 1-inch pieces to make your pretzel bites.
8. Boiling the Pretzel Bites:
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 and drain well. This step helps create that chewy pretzel texture!
9. Egg Wash and Salt:
Place the boiled pretzel bites on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each piece with the egg wash made of beaten egg and water. Don’t forget to sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt!
10. Baking Your Pretzel Bites:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
11. Enjoying Your Treat!
Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with your favorite cheese sauce or mustard for dipping. Enjoy these delicious, soft and chewy bites!
Can I Use Different Flour for This Recipe?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is ideal for a chewy texture, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the water slightly to get the right dough consistency.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the water is warm (not too hot, as that can kill the yeast). If using instant yeast, you can skip the foaming step and mix it directly with the flour.
How Should 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, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the bites, then refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours before boiling and baking. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before boiling for the best results!