These small pretzels are bite-sized pieces of dough boiled in baking soda water and baked until golden. They come out soft inside and slightly chewy outside. You can dip them in honey mustard, cheese, or your favorite sauce. The steps are clear and the dough is easy to work with.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Pretzel Bites are simple, fun, and ready in about an hour. They give a warm, soft center and a shiny brown crust. Make them for snacks, parties, or when you want something tasty and easy. They also pair well with other small breakfast ideas like morning bites.
How to make Pretzel Bites
Make the dough, let it rise, shape small ropes, boil briefly in baking soda water, brush with egg wash, and bake until brown. The process is quick and works well even if you are new to dough. Follow the recipe below for exact amounts and step-by-step directions.
Ingredients :
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour ((spooned and levelled; plus more if needed))
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm milk ((or water; around 110°F))
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 9 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg ((mixed with 1 tablespoon of water))
Directions :
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and salt. Mix with a dough hook on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each into a ¾-inch rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites.
- Drop the bites into boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each one.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard!
Pretzel Bites
Easy and delicious bite-sized pretzels with a warm, soft center and shiny crust, perfect for snacks or parties.
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled; plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm milk (or water; around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 9 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and salt. Mix with a dough hook on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each into a ¾-inch rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites.
- Drop the bites into boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard!
Notes
For best results, use the correct amount of flour and avoid overcrowding while boiling the bites.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
How to serve Pretzel Bites
Serve warm on a plate with a small bowl of honey mustard, cheese sauce, or marinara. They work well for parties, kids, or a quick snack. For a brunch board, add other small items like fruit and toast or explore similar ideas at morning bites.
How to store Pretzel Bites
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the fridge: Keep in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- To freeze: Place cooled bites on a tray, freeze until firm, then move to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warm.
Tips to make Pretzel Bites
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling it. Too much flour makes the dough tough.
- If dough feels sticky, add a little flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Boil in small batches so the bites have room and don’t stick.
- Brush the egg wash gently to avoid removing salt or toppings.
- Bake until a deep golden brown for the best flavor.
Variations
- Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top before baking.
- Sweet: Brush with butter after baking and toss in cinnamon sugar.
- Seeded: Add sesame or poppy seeds after the egg wash.
- Garlic: Mix minced garlic into melted butter and brush after baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant? A: Yes. If you use active dry yeast, proof it in the warm milk with the sugar for 5-10 minutes first, then add to the flour.
Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer? A: Yes. Mix and knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
Q: Why do we boil the bites in baking soda water? A: The baking soda bath gives the pretzels their brown, shiny crust and the classic pretzel flavor.
Q: Can I use water instead of milk? A: Yes. The recipe allows warm water around 110°F instead of milk.
Q: How do I keep pretzel bites soft the next day? A: Store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven or toaster oven to refresh the crust.
Conclusion
Pretzel Bites are an easy, tasty snack you can make at home. They take a little time but give big flavor. Try the basic recipe, then add your favorite twist and enjoy.
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