Soft Pretzel Bites are little pillows of joy! These warm, fluffy treats are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Dipped in butter and sprinkled with salt, they’re hard to resist!
Making them is fun and super easy! I love serving them with cheese sauce for dipping. It’s like a mini party in your mouth every time! Who can say no to a snack that’s both soft and salty? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Use warm water to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel slightly warmer than your body temperature. This helps the yeast grow!
Active Dry Yeast: This is key! If you’re out, you can use instant yeast, which doesn’t need to be activated. Just mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour provides the right texture. If you’re gluten-free, you could try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
Baking Soda: The baking soda bath creates the classic pretzel flavor and color. Avoid substitutions here; it’s essential for that authentic taste!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for the dip, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack if you like more heat!
How Do You Ensure Your Pretzel Bites Are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve those perfect pretzel bites, focus on a few key steps in preparation. First, the dough must rise properly; this is where it gets fluffy. Also, boiling the bites in baking soda water is crucial.
- Mix water and baking soda in a pot and bring it to a boil. This helps give the pretzels their unique flavor and color!
- Boil the pretzel bites only for 30 seconds. This sets the crust but keeps the inside soft. Don’t skip this step!
- Brush with the egg wash immediately after boiling for a beautiful golden finish.
- Keep an eye on them while they bake; ovens can vary! You want them golden brown, around 12-15 minutes is perfect.
With these insights, your pretzel bites will be a hit! Happy baking!
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
For the Cheese Sauce Dip (optional):
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus about 1 hour for the dough to rise, and around 15 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying these delicious pretzel bites in about 1 hour and 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until the dough starts coming together.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that too; it should take about 5 minutes.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat Your Oven:
While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Also, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This step is crucial for that classic pretzel flavor and color.
7. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope about ½-inch thick, then cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
8. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Carefully drop a few pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda bath. Boil for about 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. This will give them that beautiful golden color and salty flavor!
10. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Pop them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and delicious smelling.
11. Add Extra Flavor:
Once they’re out of the oven, brush the hot pretzel bites with melted butter to add extra flavor and softness.
12. Make the Cheese Sauce Dip (Optional):
While the pretzels are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Finally, stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and creamy.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm pretzel bites with the cheesy dip or your favorite condiments. Enjoy these soft, salty, buttery delights fresh from the oven! They’re perfect for snacking or sharing at parties!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser texture. For best results, you might want to substitute only half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to maintain some lightness.
What If My Yeast Doesn’t Foam?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it could be that your yeast is expired or the water temperature was too hot or too cold. In this case, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast and ensure the water is at the correct temperature (110°F/43°C).
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites without the Baking Soda Bath?
For the best texture and flavor, the baking soda bath is recommended as it gives the pretzels that classic taste and color. Skipping it may result in a softer and less flavorful bite. If you must skip it, reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
