Addictive Homemade Pretzel Bites (The Ultimate 30-Minute Game Day Snack)
Bite-sized soft pretzel nuggets boiled in a baking soda bath and baked to a deep golden brown. Soft and chewy on the inside, these salted pretzel bites make an ideal party finger food when paired with warm beer cheese dip.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water 105°F to 115°F
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 8 cups water for boiling bath
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water
- 1 1/2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt
- 3 tbsp melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Stir in the melted butter, fine salt, and all-purpose flour. Knead on medium-low speed for 4 to 5 minutes until a smooth, slightly tacky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let rest for 20 minutes in a warm spot to relax the gluten.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and grease lightly. Bring 8 cups of water and 1/3 cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch nuggets using a bench knife.
- Drop the bites in batches of 15 to 20 into the boiling baking soda bath for 20 to 25 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain well, and place onto the prepared baking sheets spaced slightly apart.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Brush immediately with melted butter and serve warm with dipping sauces.