Pretzel Bites

There’s something undeniably delightful about homemade pretzel bites. They’re soft, chewy, and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re enjoying them as a game-day snack, at a family gathering, or simply indulging yourself at home, these bite-sized treasures are sure to impress. What’s more, making pretzel bites brings a touch of fun to the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What is it that makes these pretzel bites so special? For starters, they strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. You don’t need a culinary degree to whip these up, making them ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Not to mention, they come together quickly and are budget-friendly—a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

This recipe is great for getting kids involved, too! The dough is fun to work with and can easily become a family activity.

“These pretzel bites were a huge hit at our game night! They flew off the table faster than I could make a second batch. Definitely a keeper!” – Sarah H.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Ready to get cooking? This recipe is straightforward, making it easy to follow along.

  1. Combine Ingredients: Start by mixing the flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, melted butter, and salt in a stand mixer.
  2. Knead the Dough: Use a dough hook on medium speed for 4–5 minutes until the dough is smooth.
  3. Let It Rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 30-60 minutes.
  4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
  5. Prepare Boiling Water: Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  6. Shape the Bites: Divide the dough and roll it into ropes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Boil: Drop the pieces into boiling water for about 30 seconds.
  8. Bake: Transfer the bites to the baking sheets, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Before you dive in, gather the following ingredients for your pretzel bites:

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  • 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)

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with water or a non-dairy milk.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s break down the cooking process for your convenience:

  1. In your stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, butter, and salt.
  2. Mix on medium speed with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes until smooth. If the dough sticks, add a little more flour.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm area for 30-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
  6. Take the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ¾-inch rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites.
  7. Carefully drop the bites into boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there’s space between each.
  8. Brush each bite with the egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until nicely golden brown.
  10. Serve warm with a side of honey mustard for dipping. Enjoy!

Perfect Pairings for Pretzel Bites

When it comes to serving pretzel bites, creativity reigns supreme! Here are a few delightful options:

  • Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard is a classic, but you might also try cheese sauce or spicy mustard for a zesty kick.
  • Sides: Pair your pretzel bites with a fresh salad or some crispy vegetables to balance out the richness.
  • Beer Pairings: These bites also go well with a cold beer or a refreshing soda for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Keeping Pretzel Bites Fresh Longer

To keep your pretzel bites fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them!

  • Freezing Tips: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To serve again, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm through.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few expert tidbits to elevate your pretzel game:

  • Yeast Activation: Always pay attention to the warmth of your liquid when adding yeast. Too hot and it’ll die; too cold, and it won’t activate.
  • Egg Wash: For a shiny crust, don’t skip the egg wash before baking.
  • Space is Key: When placing the bites on the baking sheets, ensure there’s enough space between them so they can expand without sticking together.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

  • Cheesy Bites: Add shredded cheese into the dough for a cheesy surprise.
  • Garlic Herb: Toss in some garlic powder and Italian herbs for an aromatic bite.
  • Sweet Treat: Dust with cinnamon sugar after baking for a dessert-like variation.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare the dough?
The initial preparation, including rising time, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Actual hands-on time is around 20-30 minutes.

What are some substitutes for all-purpose flour?
You can use bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind the water content may vary.

Can I make pretzel bites in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into bites, and freeze them before boiling. Just boil and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

This recipe for pretzel bites is not just delicious but also an enjoyable experience, great for gatherings or a cozy night in. Happy baking!

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Homemade Pretzel Bites


  • Total Time: 44 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy homemade pretzel bites that are perfect for snacking at gatherings or cozy nights in.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)

Instructions

  1. In your stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, butter, and salt.
  2. Mix on medium speed with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes until smooth.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm area for 30-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
  6. Take the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ¾-inch rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites.
  7. Carefully drop the bites into boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Brush each bite with the egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until nicely golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm with a side of honey mustard for dipping. For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with water or a non-dairy milk.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pretzel, snacks, homemade, baking, game day

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