These soft pretzel bites are warm, fluffy, and perfect for munching! With a golden crust and a soft center, they are great for dipping in mustard or cheese sauce.
I can’t resist them, especially when they come fresh out of the oven! I love to serve them at parties—they disappear fast, and everyone asks for the recipe (which is super easy!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes your pretzel bites fluffy! If you’re out, you can use instant yeast instead—just use the same amount and skip the proofing step.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can also use bread flour for an even chewier texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Soda: The boiling step with baking soda gives pretzels their unique flavor and golden color. Don’t substitute with baking powder, as it won’t give the same results.
Coarse Pretzel Salt: This adds that classic pretzel crunch! Sea salt can work for sprinkling, but try to use a coarser salt for the best texture.
How Do You Knead Dough Effectively?
Kneading the dough is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the pretzel bites their chewy consistency. Here’s how to knead well:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Use your palms to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over.
- Keep repeating this motion for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if it feels too sticky.
Trust me, this step is worth it, and you’ll be rewarded with soft, fluffy bites!
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: mustard or cheese sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 12-14 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy those delicious soft pretzel bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a large bowl, mix together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir it up a bit and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work their magic!
2. Make the Dough:
Now, add the flour and kosher salt to your foamy yeast mixture. Stir it all together until a dough forms. It should be a little sticky but not too wet.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it feels nice and smooth. You’re helping to develop the gluten, which makes those pretzel bites chewy!
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Put the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Patience pays off here!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Prepare the Boiling Solution:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and the baking soda to a gentle boil. This step is crucial for getting that classic pretzel flavor!
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long, then cut it into chunks (1 to 1 1/2 inches) to create the pretzel bites.
8. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Gently drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches. Boil each batch for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Add the Egg Wash:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash. This will give them that lovely golden color when baked. Don’t forget to sprinkle coarse pretzel salt on top!
10. Bake:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bites are deep golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. They are best enjoyed warm! Serve them with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your soft, golden pretzel bites! They’re perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the pretzel bites may be denser and have a nuttier flavor. If you go 100% whole wheat, you might need to add a bit more water to the dough for the right consistency.
What Can I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough hasn’t risen after an hour, it could be due to inactive yeast. You can test yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar—you should see froth after about 5-10 minutes. Making sure your yeast is fresh and using a warm enough place (not too hot) for rising can prevent this issue!
How Do I 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 in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Can I Add Flavors or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different toppings like garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or everything bagel seasoning before baking. You can also mix in herbs or spices directly into the dough for added flavor.
