These soft pretzel bites are warm, fluffy, and so fun to eat! With a golden brown outside and a soft inside, they’re perfect for snacking anytime.
When I make these, I love dipping them in cheese sauce or mustard. Just try to resist eating them all at once—it’s harder than it sounds! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast is key for fluffy pretzel bites. If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing it first—just mix it with the flour.
Granulated sugar: This helps to activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, you can use honey or agave syrup instead.
All-purpose flour: Essential for the dough’s structure. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour can work, but it will change the texture a bit. However, gluten-free flour blends can also be used if you need a gluten-free version.
Baking soda: This is used in the boiling step to give pretzels their characteristic flavor and color. Don’t skip this part! It really makes a difference.
Coarse sea salt: Perfect for topping! If you don’t have it, you can use regular table salt, but be mindful to use less, since it’s finer and saltier.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Soft Pretzel Bites Rise Perfectly?
Rising dough is super important for softness. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your water is warm but not hot—too much heat can kill the yeast.
- Cover the dough securely to keep it from drying out. A clean towel works great.
- Find a warm, draft-free spot for rising. An oven with just the light on or a microwave (turned off, of course) can serve as a cozy spot!
- Let it rise until it doubles in size. Patience pays off!
These steps will help you achieve that fluffy, soft texture everyone loves in pretzel bites. Happy baking!
Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher 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 delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and about 1 hour for the dough to rise. After that, it will take an additional 12-14 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty pretzel bites from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to help make your pretzels rise!
2. Mix the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and a dough starts to form. It’s okay if the dough is a bit sticky; that’s normal!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can mix it on medium speed for 4–5 minutes instead.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for fluffy pretzel bites!
5. Preheat and Prepare:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
6. Boil the Water:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Be careful, as the water may bubble up!
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch long rope. Then, cut each rope into 1 1/2-inch bite-sized pieces.
8. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water in batches. Boil for about 30 seconds for each batch. This step gives them that classic pretzel flavor! After boiling, remove them with the slotted spoon and place them on the lined baking sheets.
9. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt. This will help give them a lovely golden color and flavor!
10. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and allow the pretzel bites to bake for 12-14 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the pretzel bites cool slightly. Serve them warm with dipping options like mustard or cheese sauce. Enjoy your warm, soft, and salty pretzel bites!
Happy munching! 😊
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give a nuttier flavor and a denser texture to your pretzel bites. You might need to add a little extra water since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What Should I Do If the Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If the dough hasn’t risen after 1 hour, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water was at the right temperature (not too hot or cold). If it still doesn’t rise, consider moving it to a warmer location for a bit longer.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the bites, and then freeze them before boiling. To use, simply boil them straight from the freezer before baking as usual. This way, you’ll have fresh pretzel bites ready whenever you want!
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their softness.
