There’s something irresistible about warm, soft pretzel bites, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven. This homemade soft pretzel bites recipe is the perfect snack for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or just craving something salty and chewy. The best part? Making these pretzel bites is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Soft pretzels have long been a favorite snack, and these bite-sized versions make them even more fun and shareable. These pretzel bites are perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, making them the ideal comfort food. You can enjoy them plain or dip them in your favorite sauces like mustard, cheese, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar mix for a twist.
Making pretzel bites at home allows you to control the flavor and texture, so you can customize them to your liking. The dough comes together quickly with just flour, yeast, butter, and a pinch of salt. After forming the dough into small pieces, a quick dip in baking soda water creates that signature pretzel texture.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are countless reasons why these soft pretzel bites will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. First, the texture is unbeatable. The soft, chewy interior contrasts beautifully with the lightly crispy outside, making every bite satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them by themselves or with a dipping sauce, these pretzel bites are an indulgent treat that never disappoints.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve these soft pretzel bites as an appetizer at a party, a game-day snack, or even as a side dish with dinner. They’re a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe! You can also experiment with different seasonings and dips. For instance, sprinkle the pretzel bites with garlic salt or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, or serve them with mustard, cheese sauce, or even chocolate for a sweet twist.
What’s even better is that making soft pretzel bites at home is surprisingly easy. The dough comes together quickly, and with just a short rise time, you’re ready to shape and bake the pretzels. If you’ve never made pretzels from scratch before, you’ll be amazed at how simple the process is. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked pretzels filling your home is worth it all on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 cups water (for boiling)
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Equipment Used
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the dough ingredients and kneading the dough.
- Pot: To boil the pretzel bites in a baking soda water bath, which gives them their signature texture and flavor.
- Baking Sheet: For placing the pretzel bites after boiling and before baking. You can line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Slotted Spoon: To carefully lower the pretzel bites into the boiling water and remove them once they’ve had time to cook.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough into ropes before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the pretzel bites with an egg wash before baking, which helps them achieve that golden, shiny finish.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients like water, yeast, and salt.
- Cheese Grater (optional): If you’re adding cheese to your dough or sprinkling cheese on top of your pretzel bites, a grater will help achieve a fine texture.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. In a separate large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour, and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small sections. Roll each section into a long rope (about 12 inches) and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water. Drop the pretzel bites into the water, a few at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake and Serve: Brush the pretzel bites with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
For more detailed instructions, check out Gimme Some Oven’s Pretzel Recipe Guide.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 140 per serving (about 4-5 pretzel bites)
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
These soft pretzel bites are a delightful snack, but they’re also relatively simple in terms of nutritional content. The dough provides a good amount of carbohydrates, giving you that satisfying comfort food feeling. While they are not low-calorie, they are a great occasional treat when paired with a light dipping sauce, like mustard or a low-fat cheese dip. You can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs, such as using whole wheat flour for added fiber or swapping out the butter for a dairy-free alternative.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: After baking, brush the pretzel bites with butter and toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
- Cheese Pretzel Bites: Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the dough for a cheesy pretzel experience.
- Garlic Pretzel Bites: Brush the pretzel bites with garlic butter before baking and sprinkle with garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
- Spicy Pretzel Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough or sprinkle with chili powder after baking for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
Can I freeze soft pretzel bites?
Absolutely. Once they’ve cooled completely, store the pretzel bites in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes.
What dipping sauces go best with soft pretzel bites?
Soft pretzel bites pair perfectly with a variety of dips, including mustard (yellow or Dijon), cheese sauce, ranch, and even chocolate or caramel for a sweet treat.
Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe, but be aware that the texture might be slightly different. Using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking will yield the best results.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t Skip the Boiling Step: Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water is what gives them that signature chewy texture and golden color.
- Use a Timer: To avoid overcooking, set a timer while baking the pretzel bites to ensure they’re golden brown and not too dark.
- Make Mini Bites: If you’re serving these as an appetizer, make your pretzel bites a bit smaller for bite-sized portions perfect for sharing.
Serving Suggestions
Soft pretzel bites are perfect for snacking, but they also make an excellent appetizer for parties. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like mustard, cheese, or ranch dressing. For a fun variation, try pairing them with a beer cheese dip for a true pretzel bar experience. If you’re serving these as a main dish, consider adding a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad.
Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe : Warm, Chewy, and Perfect for Snacking
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the dough ingredients and kneading the dough.
- Pot: To boil the pretzel bites in a baking soda water bath, which gives them their signature texture and flavor.
- Baking Sheet: For placing the pretzel bites after boiling and before baking. You can line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Slotted Spoon: To carefully lower the pretzel bites into the boiling water and remove them once they’ve had time to cook.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough into ropes before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the pretzel bites with an egg wash before baking, which helps them achieve that golden, shiny finish.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients like water, yeast, and salt.
- Cheese Grater (optional): If you’re adding cheese to your dough or sprinkling cheese on top of your pretzel bites, a grater will help achieve a fine texture.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 ¼ teaspoons
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 8 cups water for boiling
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 egg beaten (for brushing)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. In a separate large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour, and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small sections. Roll each section into a long rope (about 12 inches) and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water. Drop the pretzel bites into the water, a few at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake and Serve: Brush the pretzel bites with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.