Description
Soft and chewy pretzel bites made from scratch, boiled in baking soda water, and baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Boiling Solution
- 9 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 large egg (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, warm milk, melted butter, and salt. Using a dough hook on medium speed, mix for 4-5 minutes until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is sticky, gradually add more flour until manageable.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise for 30-60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Prepare for Boiling and Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a rolling boil.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ¾-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Bites: Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite generously with the egg wash mixture (egg beaten with water), then sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a softer interior, avoid overbaking the pretzel bites.
- You can substitute warm water for milk to make the recipe dairy-free if desired.
- Be cautious when boiling pretzels as the baking soda water will be very hot and can cause splashing.
- Use coarse salt for authentic pretzel flavor and texture on top.
- Serving with honey mustard sauce pairs perfectly with the savory pretzel bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pretzel bites, soft pretzels, snack, homemade pretzels, baking soda pretzels, party snack, finger food
