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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Baking Soda Bath

A pile of freshly baked, glossy soft pretzel bites sprinkled with coarse salt, served on a white plate.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel bites at home using a simple baking soda bath for that authentic texture. These are perfect game day snacks or party appetizers.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda (for the bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the bites: Punch down the dough. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into 8 equal pieces (about 1 inch long) to form the pretzel bites.
  5. Prepare the bath: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of baking soda. The water will foam up.
  6. Boil the bites: Working in batches, carefully drop 4 to 6 pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting excess water drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Egg wash and salt: Brush the tops of the boiled bites with the egg wash mixture. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through, until the pretzel bites are deep golden brown.
  9. Butter immediately: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven. Brush them immediately with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Serve warm with your favorite cheese dip or mustard.

Notes

  • For a sweet variation, skip the salt and brush the hot bites with melted butter mixed with cinnamon sugar instead of coarse salt.
  • If you prefer a cheese dip, a simple beer cheese sauce pairs wonderfully with these buttery pretzel bites.
  • If you do not have active dry yeast, you can substitute instant yeast, but you can skip the 10-minute proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/easy-homemade-soft-pretzel-bites/