Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about an hour, making them suitable for spontaneous cravings.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples you likely have on hand.
- Customizable: Top with your favorite seasonings or pair with various dips to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups warm milk (110-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
- 9 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix and Knead: Add the all-purpose flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead the dough for about 4 minutes until smooth. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed for the same duration.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large stockpot, bring 9 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ¾-inch thick rope and cut into 1-inch long bites.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Using a slotted spoon, gently place the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda solution, about a dozen at a time, for 30 seconds. Remove and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Transfer to a cooling rack. For extra flavor, brush with additional melted butter before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dips.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Seasoned Pretzel Bites: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, cinnamon sugar, or grated Parmesan before baking for different flavor profiles.
- Cheesy Pretzel Bites: Add shredded cheese to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Vegan Option: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use vegan butter. Replace the egg wash with a mixture of water and baking soda.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.
FAQs
1. How do I ensure my pretzel bites are soft?
Ensuring the dough is properly kneaded and allowing it to rise adequately contributes to the softness of the pretzel bites. Additionally, boiling them in the baking soda solution before baking helps achieve the desired texture.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in equal amounts. Instant yeast doesn’t require proofing and can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients.
3. What dips pair well with soft pretzel bites?
Soft pretzel bites pair excellently with a variety of dips, including cheese sauce, mustard, ranch dressing, or even sweet options like chocolate or caramel sauce.
4. Can I freeze pretzel bites?
Yes, you can freeze baked pretzel bites. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
5. Why is a baking soda bath necessary?
Boiling the pretzel bites in a baking soda solution before baking gives them their characteristic chewy texture and deep brown color by altering the pH level on the dough’s surface.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading,
Soft pretzel bites
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft pretzel bites are bite-sized delights with a chewy interior and golden-brown crust, perfect for game days, gatherings, or as a comforting snack. Ready in an hour, these are easy to make, customizable, and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups warm milk (110-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
- 9 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix warm milk, brown sugar, and 2 tsp salt. Sprinkle yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix and Knead: Add flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 4 minutes until smooth.
- Let Dough Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 20–30 minutes until doubled.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Baking Soda Bath: Boil 9 cups of water with ½ cup baking soda in a stockpot.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Roll dough into ¾-inch thick ropes, cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Boil bites in the baking soda solution for 30 seconds, then place on baking sheets.
- Egg Wash and Salt: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter before serving if desired.
Notes
- For a sweeter variation, sprinkle bites with cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter.
- Avoid microwaving for reheating to retain texture; use the oven instead.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
