These football-shaped soft pretzel bites are perfect for game day! They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-fun to eat. Plus, you can dip them in your favorite sauces!
Making these pretzel bites is a blast, especially when you see the cute football shape! I love serving them hot out of the oven; the smell alone is enough to get everyone cheering! 🏈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Use water that’s 110°F to 115°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot. For a dairy-free option, you can use warm oat or almond milk instead.
Active Dry Yeast: One packet equals 2¼ teaspoons. If you have instant yeast, you can substitute it in equal amounts without the need for proofing.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the pretzels their chewy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose mix designed for baking.
Baking Soda: This is key for that pretzel flavor. Avoid substitutions here; it helps give the pretzels their unique texture and color during boiling.
Coarse Sea Salt: Perfect for sprinkling on top! If you don’t have it, kosher salt can be used instead, but go easy as it’s more salty than coarse salt.
How Do You Get Perfectly Shaped Pretzel Bites?
Shaping your pretzel bites into the right football shape might seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! Here’s how:
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into small pieces (1 to 1½ inches).
- Roll each piece into a ball, then gently roll it between your palms into an oval. Taper the ends slightly to form the football shape.
- Make sure to keep the shapes consistent so they bake evenly!
Enjoy creating these fun treats, and don’t forget to have fun while shaping them! They’ll be a hit at the party.
Football Shaped Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or cheese sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 1 hour for the dough to rise, plus around 30 minutes for preparation and baking time. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it looks frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You want it to feel nice and stretchy!
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. This is when it gets nice and fluffy!
4. Preheat and Prepare:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Boil the Baking Soda Solution:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. This step is crucial because it gives the pretzels their unique texture and color.
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into small pieces, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size. Roll each piece into an oval football shape, making sure to taper the ends slightly.
7. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Carefully drop each shaped pretzel bite into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This may seem odd, but it’s what gives the pretzels that classic pretzel taste! Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set them on your prepared baking sheets.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash for a lovely golden color while baking. Then, using a sharp knife, score the pretzel bites to look like football laces—make one long vertical slash in the middle and a few shorter horizontal cuts across it.
9. Sprinkle and Bake:
Sprinkle coarse sea salt over each pretzel bite, and then pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly before serving. Pair them with mustard or cheese sauce for a tasty snack that everyone will love!
Enjoy these adorable football-shaped soft pretzel bites warm and fresh for your next game day! They’re bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture. For the best results, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a chewy texture while adding some whole grain benefits.
How Do I Know If the Yeast Is Active?
When you mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar, let it sit for about 5 minutes. If it becomes frothy and bubbles form on the surface, your yeast is active and ready to use!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and try placing the dough in a warmer area, like near a heater or in an oven turned off but slightly warm.
How Can I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for about a week. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for a warm treat again!
