Why Make This Recipe
Pretzel Bites are perfect for snack time, parties, or cozy nights at home. They are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. The best part? You can dip them in your favorite sauces, like honey mustard, cheese, or even marinara. Making Pretzel Bites at home is fun and satisfying, and they taste way better than store-bought options!
How to Make Pretzel Bites
Ingredients:
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled; plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm milk (or water; around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 9 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)
Directions:
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and salt. Mix with a dough hook on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ¾-inch rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites.
Drop the bites into boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each one.
Brush the bites with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard!
How to Serve Pretzel Bites
Pretzel Bites are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. You can place them on a platter with small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, cheese dip, or ranch dressing. They make a fun party food or a tasty game-day snack.
How to Store Pretzel Bites
If you have any leftover Pretzel Bites, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Tips to Make Pretzel Bites
- Make sure your water is warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough.
- For a nice golden color, ensure you brush the bites with the egg wash before baking.
Variation
You can try different toppings for your Pretzel Bites. Some popular options include shredded cheese, everything bagel seasoning, or toppings like sesame seeds.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you will need to proof it first in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough.
2. Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients in a large bowl and then knead the dough by hand on a floured surface.
3. How long do these Pretzel Bites take to make?
The entire process, including rising time, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how fast the dough rises.
Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled; plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm milk or water; around 110°F
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 9 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and salt. Mix with a dough hook on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ¾-inch rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites.
- Drop the bites into boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each one.
- Brush the bites with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard!
