Make soft, chewy pretzel bites at home using a simple baking soda bath for authentic flavor and texture. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:140 min
Yield:About 4 dozen bites
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup baking soda
10 cups water (for boiling bath)
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse pretzel salt, for topping
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form the bites.
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
Working in batches, carefully drop 6 to 8 pretzel bites into the boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Brush the boiled bites with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
Brush immediately with melted butter after removing from the oven. Serve warm.
Notes
For a cheese sauce, melt 4 ounces of sharp cheddar with 1/4 cup milk and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you prefer a sweeter bite, skip the salt topping and toss the warm bites in cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter.
Do not overcrowd the pot when boiling the bites; work in small batches for best results.