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Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe


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4.3 from 69 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful, bite-sized snack made from a soft, chewy dough with a slightly crispy golden exterior. These homemade pretzel bites are perfect for parties or casual snacking, featuring a traditional baking soda bath that gives them their distinctive flavor and texture. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Baking Soda Bath

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Topping

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for use.
  2. Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for approximately 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  5. Boil the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a rolling boil. This alkaline bath is crucial for achieving the pretzels’ characteristic texture and color.
  6. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Divide the risen dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope and cut each rope into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches long.
  7. Boil the Dough Pieces: Carefully drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water in batches. Boil each piece for 20 to 30 seconds until they puff slightly, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Add the Toppings: Brush each pretzel bite evenly with the beaten egg to promote browning. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt to taste.
  9. Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they develop a deep golden brown color and a firm, chewy exterior.
  10. Serve: Allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly, then serve warm with your preferred dipping sauces such as mustard or cheese sauce.

Notes

  • For cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, omit the coarse sea salt. After baking, toss the pretzel bites with melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a sweet alternative.
  • Serve these pretzel bites with cheese sauce, mustard, or your favorite dips to enhance their flavor.
  • Ensure the water used for activating yeast and boiling the pretzels is warm but not hot to preserve yeast activity and prevent dough from cooking prematurely.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American