Description

These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack perfect for sharing. Golden brown on the outside with a soft and chewy center, they’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients. The pretzel bites are boiled briefly in a baking soda solution before baking, giving them that signature pretzel flavor and texture. Finished with melted butter and a sprinkle of coarse salt, they make an irresistible savory treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dough)

Boiling Solution

10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda

Finishing Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Coarse salt, to taste

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix the Dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then add the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Knead the dough either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil.
Shape the Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces to form bite-sized pretzel chunks.
Boil Pretzel Bites: Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda bath in batches. Boil each batch for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Brush with Butter and Add Salt: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the pretzel bites generously with the remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt to taste.
Serve Warm: Allow them to cool slightly, then serve warm for the best soft and buttery flavor.

Notes

For a crispier crust, bake a small pan of water in the oven to create steam during baking.
These pretzel bites can be served with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain softness.