Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

Soft, chewy, and perfectly golden, these Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a party, or just a cozy night in, these bite-sized pretzels are sure to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pretzel bites strike the perfect balance between a crisp outside and a fluffy, chewy interior. They’re easy to make from scratch, and the dough comes together with pantry staples. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—serve them with cheese dip, mustard, or even sweet toppings.

• Soft and chewy with a golden crust
• Fun and easy to make at home
• Great for snacking or entertaining
• Customizable with your favorite dips and toppings
• Freezer-friendly for future cravings

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add salt and flour, and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6–8 portions. Roll each into ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces.
7. Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites for 20–30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 60 pretzel bites.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approx. 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Pretzel Bites: Add shredded cheese into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Sweet Pretzel Bites: Skip the salt and brush with melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Wrap the dough around small pieces of cheese or sausage.
• Garlic Butter: Brush baked pretzels with garlic butter for a savory twist.
• Everything Pretzel Bites: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of salt.

storage/reheating

Store cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

Do I have to boil the pretzel bites before baking?

Yes, the baking soda bath is essential for creating that signature chewy texture and golden brown crust.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour. The rise time may be slightly shorter.

Why did my pretzel bites come out flat?

Your yeast may have been inactive or the dough may have been over-proofed. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the dough is not overworked.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

What dips go best with these pretzel bites?

Classic choices include cheese sauce, mustard, honey mustard, or even chocolate sauce for sweet versions.

Can I freeze unbaked pretzel bites?

It’s best to freeze them after baking. If freezing unbaked, boil first, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

It should double in size and spring back slowly when you press it with your finger.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Look for recipes specifically designed for gluten-free baking for best results.

What’s the purpose of the egg wash?

It gives the pretzel bites their shiny, golden finish and helps the salt stick.

Do I need a stand mixer?

Nope! You can mix and knead the dough by hand—it just takes a little more effort.

Conclusion

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and endless options for dipping and seasoning, they’re as fun to eat as they are to make. Try them once, and you’ll be adding them to your regular snack rotation in no time.

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