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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the Toppings: Brush each pretzel bite evenly with the beaten egg to promote browning. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt to taste.
- 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.
- 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