Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

These homemade Soft Pretzel Bites bring the beloved ballpark and mall favorite right to your kitchen! Perfectly chewy on the inside with that distinctive pretzel crust on the outside, these bite-sized treats are surprisingly simple to make. Whether you prefer them savory with salt or sweet with cinnamon sugar, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast from your table. The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and forms the base of our dough. Make sure it’s warm but not hot (100-110°F) – think bath water temperature.
• Instant Yeast: The magical ingredient that makes our dough rise. If you have active dry yeast instead, no problem – just give it a few extra minutes to activate.
• Brown Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that makes these pretzels irresistible. The molasses content helps develop that classic pretzel color.
• Flour: Creates the structure of our pretzel bites. You might need slightly more or less depending on humidity in your kitchen.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor in the dough itself – don’t skip this! Table salt works in a pinch but kosher salt gives better flavor.
• Baking Soda: The secret to authentic pretzel flavor and that distinctive chewy crust. This creates an alkaline bath that’s essential for true pretzel texture.
• Egg: Creates a beautiful golden-brown shine when brushed on top before baking.
• Pretzel Salt or Flaky Salt: The classic topping that gives pretzels their signature look and taste. Flaky sea salt works beautifully too.
• Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet version that’s utterly addictive. Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon.

Variations

These pretzel bites are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some delicious ways to make them your own:

• Everything Bagel: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a savory twist.
• Garlic Parmesan: Brush with melted butter after baking and toss with garlic powder and grated parmesan.
• Jalapeño Cheddar: Mix finely diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar into the dough before the final rise.
• Beer Pretzels: Substitute your favorite wheat beer for water in the dough for deeper flavor.
• Chocolate Dipped: After baking, dip half of each pretzel bite in melted chocolate for a sweet-salty treat.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Dough

In your stand mixer bowl with the dough hook attached, combine warm water, instant yeast, and brown sugar. Mix briefly until the sugar dissolves. With the mixer on low, gradually add 2 cups of flour and the kosher salt. Add the remaining 1/2 cup flour slowly, stopping when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Let it knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, and let rise in a warm spot for one hour. After the first rise, punch down the dough, reform into a ball, and let rise for another hour.

Step 2: Shape and Boil

Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into quarters. Roll each piece into a long strand about 18 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces about 1 inch long. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot half-filled with water, bring to a boil, then carefully add the baking soda (add it slowly to prevent overflow!). Reduce heat to medium-high for a gentle boil. Cook the pretzel bites for 45 seconds per side, then transfer to your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch between pieces.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Beat an egg with a splash of water and lightly brush the tops of your boiled pretzel bites. If going the savory route, sprinkle with pretzel salt or flaky sea salt now. Bake for 15-18 minutes until deeply golden brown. For sweet pretzel bites, skip the salt and instead toss the warm baked pretzels in cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oven.

How to Serve

These pretzel bites are amazing on their own, but even better with dipping options:

Savory Pairings:

• Spicy whole grain mustard
• Beer cheese dip
• Warm nacho cheese sauce
• Garlic butter

Sweet Pairings:

• Cream cheese frosting
• Chocolate ganache
• Caramel sauce
• Nutella

These make the perfect game day snack, after-school treat, or party appetizer. They’re substantial enough to tide everyone over until dinner but not so filling that they ruin appetites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best fresh, but will maintain a decent texture when stored properly.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them before adding toppings for best results.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, reheat frozen or day-old pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave works in a pinch but sacrifices some of the texture.

Make-Ahead Options

The dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature (about an hour) before shaping and continuing with the recipe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Soft Pretzel Bites bring the joy of fresh pretzels into your home with surprisingly little effort. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into these golden, chewy treats. Whether you’re making them for game day, a cozy movie night, or just because it’s Tuesday, I guarantee they’ll be met with enthusiasm and empty plates. The hands-on process makes this a perfect recipe to share with family – and the rewards are immediately delicious. Go ahead, treat yourself to homemade pretzel perfection!

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