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Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

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4.4 from 32 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are perfectly golden, chewy, and buttery snacks ideal for game day or anytime cravings. Made from a simple yeast dough that’s boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking, they achieve the classic pretzel texture with a soft inside and a lightly crisp exterior. Finished with a buttery glaze and coarse salt, they’re delicious served warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1½ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Boiling

  • ½ cup baking soda

Finishing

  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • Coarse salt for sprinkling
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Make Dough: Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook attachment or knead by hand for about 6–8 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
  3. First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size, which helps develop flavors and texture.
  4. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully stir in the baking soda. The mixture will bubble up; this alkaline bath is key to the pretzel’s signature crust and color.
  6. Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about ½ inch thick, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  7. Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, carefully boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds. This step helps create the characteristic chewy crust.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Remove boiled bites with a slotted spoon and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each piece with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt for texture and flavor.
  9. Bake: Bake the pretzel bites for 12–15 minutes or until they turn golden brown, achieving a perfectly baked exterior.
  10. Butter Glaze and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter to add richness and shine. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch.

Notes

  • Best enjoyed fresh for optimal softness and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
  • Reheat in a warm oven to restore warmth and texture before serving.
  • Serve with cheese sauce, mustard, or ranch for delightful dips.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://a-tale-of-two.com/buttery-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe/