Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are golden, chewy, and utterly addictive. They bring the classic soft pretzel flavor in a fun, poppable form that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or dipping. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just craving a salty snack, these pretzel bites are easy to make and always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside
• Perfect for dipping in cheese sauce, mustard, or even cinnamon sugar
• Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
• Fun to make and even more fun to eat
• Great for parties, lunchboxes, or game day spreads

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Baking soda
• Water (for baking soda bath)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush the boiled pretzel bites with melted butter or egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 6 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy bites: Add shredded cheese to the dough or stuff with small cubes of cheese before baking.
• Cinnamon sugar: Skip the salt topping and brush baked bites with melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Garlic butter: After baking, toss bites in garlic-infused melted butter for extra flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pretzel bites for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes or in the air fryer until heated through and crisp.

FAQs

Why do I need to boil the dough in baking soda water?

Boiling the dough in baking soda water gives pretzels their classic chewy texture and deep golden color.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast and skip the blooming step. Add it directly to the flour.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

What if I don’t have coarse salt?

Regular table salt works in a pinch, or you can use flaky sea salt for texture.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw, then shape, boil, and bake as usual.

What dipping sauces go well with pretzel bites?

Cheese sauce, mustard, ranch, or even a sweet dip like chocolate or caramel work great.

How do I keep pretzel bites soft?

Store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving to restore their softness.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend that works for yeast doughs. Note that texture may vary.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can knead the dough by hand—it just takes a bit more time and elbow grease.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to boil and bake in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect snack—warm, soft, and delightfully salty. With just a little time and a few pantry staples, you can enjoy bakery-style pretzels right from your kitchen. Dip them, share them, or snack on them fresh out of the oven—they’re bound to become a favorite in your home.

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