Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Short Description:

Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are irresistible, bite-sized pieces of soft pretzel dough, perfectly golden brown on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Coated in a buttery glaze and sprinkled with coarse salt, these little snacks are ideal for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or a treat for movie night, these pretzel bites are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect balance of savory, buttery goodness with that classic chewy texture you love in a soft pretzel. The recipe is simple, and the result is mouthwatering—you get to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade pretzels without the hassle of shaping full-sized ones. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like cheese, mustard, or even chocolate for an extra special touch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a comforting snack, these pretzel bites will hit the spot every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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Direction

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Once the dough begins to form, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Boiling Solution: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a long rope (about 12-14 inches in length). Cut the rope into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch pieces).
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Carefully drop the pretzel pieces into the simmering water, a few at a time. Boil them for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the Pretzel Bites: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once all the pretzel bites have been boiled, bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Brush with Butter: After removing the pretzels from the oven, immediately brush them with the melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
8. Serve: Allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rise time)

Variations

• Cheese Sauce: Serve your pretzel bites with a homemade or store-bought cheese sauce for dipping.
• Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet twist, sprinkle the pretzel bites with cinnamon sugar instead of coarse salt after brushing them with butter.
• Garlic Parmesan: For extra flavor, add garlic powder to the butter before brushing it on the pretzels and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Herbed Pretzels: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough before letting it rise for a fragrant, herby flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness, or microwave for about 20 seconds if you prefer them soft.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these pretzel bites?

Yes, you can freeze the pretzel bites! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven.

2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. There’s no need to proof instant yeast, just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

3. Do I need to boil the pretzel bites?

Boiling the pretzel bites in a baking soda solution is what gives them their signature chewy texture and golden brown color. Don’t skip this step!

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling the pretzel bites the next day.

5. Can I make these pretzel bites without baking soda?

While baking soda helps create the traditional pretzel flavor and texture, you could skip it. However, the bites may not have the same deep golden brown color or the chewy texture typical of soft pretzels.

6. What can I serve with these pretzel bites?

Pretzel bites are perfect with a variety of dipping sauces, such as cheese sauce, mustard, ranch dressing, or even chocolate sauce for a sweet option.

7. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist, but note that the texture might be a bit denser.

8. Can I make these pretzel bites without butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can brush the pretzel bites with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of regular butter.

9. How do I make these pretzel bites even crispier?

For extra crispiness, you can bake the pretzel bites for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Just keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

10. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making dough, and then proceed with boiling and baking the pretzel bites as directed.

Conclusion

Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are an irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion, from a fun party appetizer to a cozy treat for movie night. With their soft, chewy texture, rich buttery flavor, and sprinkling of salt, they’re hard to resist! Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with different dipping sauces and toppings. Once you try these homemade pretzel bites, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your snack repertoire!

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