Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Chewy: The combination of the warm, chewy pretzel dough and the golden, crisp crust makes these bites irresistible.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment.
Customizable: You can top the pretzel bites with coarse salt, cinnamon sugar, or even garlic butter for a unique twist.
Fun to Make: Making soft pretzel bites is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Prepare the Dough: Add salt, flour, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a long rope (about 18 inches). Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form bite-sized pretzel bites.
Boil the Pretzel Bites: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda to the boiling water and stir until dissolved. Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Pretzel Bites: Sprinkle the pretzel bites with coarse sea salt and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve: Allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard, cheese, or even chocolate.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 30 pretzel bites.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Boiling & Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: After baking, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
Garlic Butter Pretzel Bites: Toss the pretzel bites in melted garlic butter after baking for a savory twist.
Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Add small cubes of cheese (like cheddar) inside the dough before shaping into bites for a cheesy surprise.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pretzel bites in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling the pretzel bites.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Simply skip the step of activating the yeast in warm water. Add it directly to the flour mixture.

How do I know when the pretzel bites are done?

The pretzel bites should be golden brown on the outside. If you’re unsure, check the center with a toothpick to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?

Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may differ slightly.

Can I use a different type of salt?

Yes, you can use regular table salt if you don’t have coarse sea salt, but coarse salt provides a better crunch and flavor.

What kind of dipping sauces go well with pretzel bites?

Pretzel bites pair well with mustard, cheese sauce, chocolate sauce, or even ranch dressing.

Can I freeze pretzel bites?

Yes, you can freeze the pretzel bites. Make sure they are completely cool before freezing. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

How do I make these pretzel bites extra soft?

Be careful not to overbake the pretzel bites, and make sure the dough is well-kneaded. The boiling step also helps create that soft, chewy texture.

Can I make these pretzel bites into larger pretzels?

Yes, you can shape the dough into larger pretzels instead of bites. Just adjust the boiling and baking time accordingly.

What is the purpose of boiling the pretzel bites?

Boiling the pretzel bites in water with baking soda helps to create the signature chewy exterior and the golden-brown color we love in soft pretzels.

Conclusion

Homemade soft pretzel bites are a fun, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that will satisfy any snack craving. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with your favorite sauce, or just munching on them as an afternoon snack, these pretzel bites are sure to become a favorite. With a little time and patience, you can enjoy fresh, homemade pretzel bites any time!