Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful homemade snack perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Soft on the inside with a slightly crispy golden crust, they’re boiled in baking soda water to achieve the traditional pretzel texture, then brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with coarse salt for that irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Boiling Solution
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 6 cups water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Make the dough: Stir in the salt, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and all the flour into the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough either by hand or with a dough hook attachment for 5 to 6 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Meanwhile, bring 6 cups of water and ⅓ cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 12 to 15 inch rope and slice into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- Boil the bites: Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 20 to 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Finish with butter and salt: Immediately brush the hot pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Serve warm with your choice of dips such as cheese sauce or mustard for an extra flavor kick.
Notes
- For a sweet variation, skip the coarse salt and toss the warm pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar after brushing with melted butter.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days without losing their softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 bites
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
