Can I make pretzel bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the shaped, boiled pretzel bites for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze baked pretzel bites for up to 3 months.

Why do pretzel bites need a baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath gives pretzels their distinctive brown color, crispy exterior, and signature pretzel flavor. Don't skip this step!

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Mix the dough in a regular bowl with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes.

What's the best dipping sauce for pretzel bites?

Spicy cheese sauce and mustard are classic choices, but they're also delicious with honey mustard, beer cheese, or even marinara sauce.

Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Description

Warm, golden soft pretzel bites with authentic pretzel flavor from a baking soda bath. Quick-rising dough, beginner-friendly, and perfect topped with coarse salt or cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

1 and 1/2 cups warm water (around 100°F)
2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
1 Tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cool
3 and 3/4 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for hands and work surface
1/2 cup baking soda
9 cups water
Coarse salt or coarse sea salt
Spicy cheese sauce or mustard (optional for serving)

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Instructions

Whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar in stand mixer bowl. Cover with towel and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Add salt, melted butter, and 3 cups flour. Beat on low speed for 1 minute, then add another 3/4 cup flour. Mix until dough comes together and pulls away from sides (about 2 minutes).
Knead dough for 5 minutes with dough hook or by hand on lightly floured surface until soft and slightly tacky.
Cover dough with towel and let rest 10-30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Cut dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope, then cut into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces.
Bring 9 cups water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a boil in large pot.
Drop 8-10 pretzel bites into boiling water for 10-15 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.
Sprinkle with coarse sea salt while still wet.
Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven and serve warm with cheese sauce or mustard.

Notes

Don't over-flour your work surface when rolling. Watch boiling time carefully - only 10-15 seconds. Try different toppings like cinnamon sugar, everything bagel seasoning, or parmesan garlic. Can refrigerate shaped, boiled bites for up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Boiled and Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 pretzel bites
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg