Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are warm, chewy snacks that are so simple to make! With just dough, water, and a sprinkle of coarse salt, they’re sure to be a hit.
I love to dip mine in cheese sauce or mustard. They disappear fast at parties—so grab a few before they vanish! Who can resist their deliciousness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Water around 110°F (43°C) helps activate the yeast. A thermometer is handy here, but if you don’t have one, it should feel warm, not hot to your touch.
Active Dry Yeast: Always check the expiration date! If you’re out, you can use instant yeast in the same amount, and it doesn’t need proofing beforehand.
Granulated Sugar: This helps activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. If you’re cutting sugar, you can reduce it or use honey as an alternative.
All-Purpose Flour: I love using all-purpose flour for its versatility. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work, but the texture may change slightly.
Baking Soda: This is essential for the boiling bath, giving the pretzels their classic flavor and color. Don’t skip it!
Why Is Boiling the Pretzel Bites Important?
Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water provides the authentic pretzel flavor and chewy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring the water with baking soda to a rolling boil—this ensures the pretzel bites cook quickly.
- Carefully drop them in batches into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Too long and they might get too soft, too short and they won’t have the right texture.
- Use a slotted spoon to lift them out. Let them drip a bit before placing them on the baking sheet.
Remember, this is one of the key steps that makes homemade pretzels taste like the ones from your favorite vendor!
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for topping
- Optional dip: cheese sauce, mustard, or your preferred dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. This includes about 1 hour for the dough to rise and then around 30 minutes for preparing, boiling, and baking the pretzel bites. They’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear once they’re out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It should look frothy when it’s ready!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour and kosher salt to your yeast mixture. Mix well until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key!
4. Preheat the Oven:
As your dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This is what will give your pretzels that classic flavor!
6. Shape the Pretzels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18-24 inches long). Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to make your pretzel bites.
7. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Be careful, as the water is very hot!
8. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle them with coarse sea salt. This gives them that lovely golden color and flavor!
9. Bake:
Bake the pretzel bites in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool & Serve:
Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s cheese sauce, mustard, or something else entirely!
These Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself (I won’t tell!). Happy snacking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might need to add a little more water to get the right dough consistency since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or the water being too hot or too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and the water temperature is right (around 110°F/43°C). If you’re unsure, you can proof the yeast with warm water and sugar before adding it to the flour.
Can I Make Pretzel Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and allow it to rise, then shape and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before boiling and baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer bag and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) after thawing for a few minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
