Soft Pretzel Bites

Soft pretzel bites are such a fantastic snack! They’re quick to whip up and super satisfying, perfect for when you’re hosting friends or just looking for something tasty to enjoy on a cozy night in. Picture a group of friends gathered around, each pulling apart these golden nuggets, warm and soft, and dipping them into cheesy sauce or tangy mustard. Doesn’t that sound delicious? Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can get everyone involved in the fun! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that might just steal the show at your next gathering. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, and turn that kitchen into a pretzel paradise!

Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Bites

You’ll adore making these pretzel bites for so many reasons! First up, they come together in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right! This makes them perfect for any impromptu party or snack attack. The texture is spot-on—soft and chewy with a salty finish that keeps you going back for more. They’re not just tasty but also super flexible. You can dunk them in cheese sauce, slather them with mustard, or even enjoy them plain. Plus, they’re kid-friendly, making it a fun cooking project to tackle with your little ones. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

What is a Pretzel Bites

So, what exactly are pretzel bites? They’re a delightful bite-sized version of the classic soft pretzel. Think of everything you love about soft pretzels, but in a smaller, more manageable form. They’re made from a handful of simple ingredients, which you probably already have in your kitchen. What gives them that unique flavor? Well, they’re briefly boiled in a baking soda solution before baking. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic pretzel taste that so many people adore. These bites have become a beloved snack in homes across America, especially during parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients for Pretzel Bites

Gather your ingredients before you start! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1¼ cups warm milk (284 grams, 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons honey (44 grams)
• 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 grams, 1 envelope)
• ½ cup egg whites (140 grams, from 4 large eggs)
• 1 tablespoon water (14 grams)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams)
• ½ cup baking soda (144 grams)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (9 grams)

These ingredients are basic but essential. Make sure you measure everything out so you’re ready to go when you start baking!

Preparing Your Pretzel Bites

Preheat and Prepare

First things first—preheat that oven to 450°F. This ensures a nice, crispy finish later on. While that heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step is key to prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup later.

Activate the Yeast

Now, pour the warm milk into the bowl of your stand mixer that’s equipped with a paddle attachment. Mixing in both the honey and yeast, give it a gentle stir. You’ll want to let this sit for about 10 minutes. Why? Because you’re waiting for it to get foamy, which means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic in the dough!

Whisk the Egg Whites

While waiting, grab another bowl to whisk together your egg whites and water. Set this mix aside for later use. It’s going to help give your pretzel bites that beautiful shiny finish when baked.

Mix the Dough

Now it’s time to mix things up. Add your flour and the teaspoon of kosher salt to the yeast mixture in the stand mixer. Start mixing on low speed for about three minutes, until the dough forms a ball. If the dough feels sticky, don’t fret! Just add a tiny bit more flour until it’s manageable.

Shape the Dough

Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a clean work surface. Shape it into a ball and then divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece out into long strands, about the thickness of a pencil. Cut each strand into 1-inch sections. You’ll get about 12-16 bites from each strand. Voilà, you now have your pretzel bites ready to go!

Boil the Bites

Next, fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Carefully whisk in the baking soda—you’ll see it bubble up. Now, add your pretzel bites in batches of about ten at a time. Give each batch a good boil for about 20-30 seconds. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them cool for a moment.

Bake the Pretzel Bites

Arrange your boiled pretzel bites on the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Brush each one with your egg white mixture, then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. They’re now ready for the oven! Bake for about 10 minutes until they’re golden and delicious looking.

Serving Suggestions

Once you take those warm pretzel bites out of the oven, the fun can begin! Here are some great ways to serve them:

• Serve warm with rich cheese sauce for dipping.
• Pair them with spicy mustard for a tangy kick.
• Create a colorful pretzel bite platter featuring various dips.

These options ensure each bite stays exciting!

Tips for Success

To keep things running smoothly, remember a few helpful tips. First, ensure your milk isn’t too hot—it can kill the yeast, and that’s no good! When boiling, do it in small batches to avoid overcrowding; this keeps the bites from sticking together. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with toppings like Parmesan cheese or garlic salt for extra flavor.

Variations

Feeling creative? You can tweak the basic recipe to make it your own! Here are some ideas:

• Cheesy Pretzel Bites: Mix in shredded cheese into the dough before you start shaping.
• Sweet Pretzel Bites: Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar over the dough before baking for a delightful sweet treat.
• Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Fill the dough with your favorite mini chocolate chips or pepperoni before sealing.

Mix it up and have fun!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! Store any unused pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven for 5-8 minutes. They’ll be soft and tasty, as if you just made them!

Pairing Ideas

Wondering what to enjoy with your pretzel bites? Try these pairings:

• Cold beverages like soda, beer, or refreshing lemonade.
• Fresh fruits, like sliced apples, for a nice contrast.
• A charcuterie board filled with delightful meats and cheeses pairs perfectly.

FAQs

Can I freeze pretzel bites?
Absolutely! Just let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to 3 months.

What can I dip pretzel bites in?
The options are endless! Cheese sauce, mustard, ranch dressing, or even chocolate sauce make fantastic dips.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.

What happens if my yeast doesn’t foam?
If that yeast doesn’t foam, it might be expired, or the milk was too hot. Start fresh with new ingredients.

How do I make pretzel bites less salty?
Try reducing the amount of coarse sea salt on top. Unsalted butter in any dipping sauces can also help balance the saltiness.

With soft pretzel bites in hand, every gathering can feel a bit more special. These bites have a magical way of bringing friends and family together, all while delivering a comforting and delicious treat for everyone to enjoy!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Lemon Poke Cake
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
• Lemon Custard
• Classic French Madeleines

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Soft Pretzel Bites

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Soft pretzel bites are the perfect snack for gatherings. They are quick to prepare, chewy, and great for dipping in various sauces. Easy and fun to make!

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1¼ cups warm milk (284 grams, 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons honey (44 grams)
• 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 grams, 1 envelope)
• ½ cup egg whites (140 grams, from 4 large eggs)
• 1 tablespoon water (14 grams)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams)
• ½ cup baking soda (144 grams)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (9 grams)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Activate yeast by mixing warm milk, honey, and yeast; let sit for 10 minutes.
• Whisk egg whites and water in a separate bowl and set aside.
• Mix flour and kosher salt with the yeast mixture until a dough forms.
• Shape the dough into a ball, divide into pieces, roll into strands, and cut into bites.
• Boil water and whisk in baking soda; boil pretzel bites for 20-30 seconds each.
• Arrange boiled bites on baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and top with coarse salt.
• Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Ensure milk is warm but not hot to keep yeast active.
Boil in small batches to avoid sticking.
Experiment with toppings like Parmesan for added flavor.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg