Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy, signaling that the yeast is active. Then, stir in the flour and salt until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a long rope, about one-inch thick. Cut the rope into small pieces, roughly bite-sized. These will form your pretzel bites.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then carefully add the baking soda. Using a slotted spoon, dip each dough piece into the boiling water bath for about 20-30 seconds. This step creates the classic pretzel crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the boiled pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and optionally brush with a little more melted butter. Serve warm with your favorite dips such as mustard, cheese sauce, or a sweet honey butter glaze.
Notes
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Well-kneaded dough produces the perfect chewy texture everyone loves.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath as it is essential for the signature pretzel flavor and golden crust.
- Use coarse sea salt for that satisfying crunch; fine salt won’t provide the same texture.
- Pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm for peak flavor and softness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pretzel bites, soft pretzels, homemade snacks, appetizer, savory snack, sweet snack, kid-friendly, easy recipe