Description
These Easy Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly chewy and irresistibly delicious, making them the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 large egg
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
- Optional for serving:
- Cheese dip
- Mustard sauce
- Garlic butter
Instructions
- Start by pouring the warm water into a large mixing bowl. You will want it to be between 110°F to 115°F to ensure the yeast activates correctly. Sprinkle the active dry yeast and granulated sugar into the water and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Next, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything until it comes together, and then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour to help you out. Once you achieve the right texture, transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place. Allow the dough to double in size, which should take about an hour.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into long ropes about one inch thick, and then cut them into small one-inch pieces. These will be your pretzel bites. It’s a great idea to have some fun at this stage—let the kids help shape the bites!
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then add the baking soda. This step is crucial, as this soda bath gives your pretzel bites that classic texture and flavor. Make sure the baking soda dissolves fully to achieve the best results.
- Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 20-30 seconds. You can do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. After boiling, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place the bites onto a lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of your bites with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color, then sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt. Pop them into your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. The smell of these pretzel bites baking will have your mouth watering in anticipation!
Notes
Serve with a variety of sauces like spicy mustard or homemade garlic butter to cater to everyone’s taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 4 g