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Salted soft and chewy pretzel bites
Emily

Soft and Chewy Pretzel Bites

Soft, chewy, and golden brown, these homemade pretzel bites are the ultimate snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for parties, game days, or dipping in your favorite cheese or mustard sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 36
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 163
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water 110° to 115°
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 12 cups water
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • Melted butter for brushing
  • Flaky salt for sprinkling

Method
 

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, stir the yeast into warm water with a wooden spoon. Add the sugar and oil, then let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: Stir in the beaten egg and salt. Add the flour, one cup at a time, until you have a shaggy dough.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten. Knead again for another 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Shape the pretzel bites: Divide the dough into six portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, like playing with clay as a kid. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces, keeping them similar in size so they cook evenly. Place on a floured baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  5. Boil the bites: Bring 12 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully add the baking soda since it will foam up. Drop the pretzel bites in, a few at a time, for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart.
  6. Top and bake: Brush each bite generously with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt. Bake on the middle rack at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
  7. Enjoy: Let cool slightly before diving in. Be warned, these bites vanish fast.

Notes

  • Keep your bites evenly sized so they bake uniformly.
  • Do not skip the resting step since it makes the dough softer and easier to shape.
  • Be careful when adding baking soda to boiling water since it foams vigorously.
  • Cheesy pretzel bites: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before baking.
  • Sweet twist: Brush with butter and cinnamon sugar instead of salt.
  • Garlic herb: Mix minced garlic and herbs into the melted butter before brushing on the bites.