Description
These Easy Soft Pretzel Bites are a warm, chewy, and irresistibly delicious snack, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy treat. The simple recipe uses minimal ingredients to create golden browned, perfectly salted bites with a tender inside and slightly crispy exterior, just like your favorite pretzel shop.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (for boiling bath)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
- Melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by activating the yeast in warm water mixed with sugar, letting it sit until frothy. Then, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and cut into 1 to 1.5 inch segments to form bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water with baking soda to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the pretzel bites in batches into the boiling water and boil for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a lined baking tray.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Brush the boiled pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Use warm water at about 110°F (43°C) for proper yeast activation.
- Don’t Skip Baking Soda Bath: Essential for pretzel’s signature crust and color.
- Use Coarse Salt: Adds satisfying crunch and saltiness.
- Knead Thoroughly: Ensures evenly soft and chewy texture.
- Serve Warm: Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: soft pretzel bites, easy pretzel recipe, snack, homemade pretzels, party appetizers, gluten free pretzels, savory snacks
