Soft, chewy, and golden brown, these homemade soft pretzel bites are the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a salty treat, or looking for a fun baking project, these bite-sized delights are easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect for dipping in cheese sauce, mustard, or even chocolate
• A fun recipe to make with kids
• Great for parties, game nights, or as an afternoon snack
• Can be customized with different toppings and flavors

Ingredients

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

• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Baking soda
• Egg wash (egg + water)
• Coarse salt for topping

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Divide the dough into sections and roll each into a long rope.
7. Cut the rope into bite-sized pieces.
8. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add baking soda.
9. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 20-30 seconds, then remove and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush each piece with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 50 pretzel bites
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Pretzel Bites: Stuff small cubes of cheese inside each dough piece before baking.
• Sweet Pretzel Bites: Brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar instead of salt.
• Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle with garlic powder and grated Parmesan before baking.
• Everything Bagel Pretzels: Top with an everything bagel seasoning blend.
• Spicy Pretzel Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pretzel bites in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.

FAQs

How do I make sure my pretzel bites are soft?

Knead the dough well and avoid overbaking. Also, don’t skip the baking soda bath—it helps create the perfect texture.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why do I need to boil the pretzel bites before baking?

Boiling in a baking soda bath gives pretzels their chewy texture and signature golden crust.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, then store it in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.

What dipping sauces go well with pretzel bites?

Cheese sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, chocolate sauce, or even marinara all pair well.

Can I make these without an egg wash?

Yes, you can use milk or melted butter as an alternative.

How do I prevent the pretzel bites from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

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

Yes, but the texture may be denser. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a better balance.

What if I don’t have coarse salt?

You can use regular salt, but coarse salt gives that classic pretzel taste and texture.

Can I add flavors to the dough itself?

Absolutely! You can mix in garlic powder, cinnamon, or even shredded cheese for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade soft pretzel bites are a delicious and fun snack that everyone will love. With their chewy texture and golden-brown crust, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, salted, or dipped in your favorite sauce, they’re sure to be a hit. Try making a batch today and enjoy the homemade goodness!

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