Description
These Super Easy Soft Pretzel Bites are a perfect snack for any occasion, featuring a soft and chewy texture with a golden-brown crust. Made from scratch with simple ingredients and a baking soda bath for that classic pretzel flavor and appearance, they’re quick to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Baking Soda Bath
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 cups water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes to slightly relax the gluten.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Divide the dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes, then cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a simmer and stir in the baking soda until dissolved. Dip each pretzel bite into the baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds to give them that characteristic pretzel crust.
- Arrange and Season: Place the soaked pretzel bites onto the prepared baking sheets. Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Optionally brush with additional melted butter after baking for extra richness. Serve the pretzel bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading the dough properly helps develop gluten for chewy pretzels.
- The baking soda bath is essential for the classic pretzel flavor and crust.
- You can store baked pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with toppings like cinnamon sugar or cheese instead of salt.
