Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect homemade snack, featuring a golden-brown crust with a tender, chewy interior. Made from a simple yeast dough, boiled briefly in a baking soda bath, then baked to perfection and brushed with melted butter, they offer a deliciously rich and satisfying appetizer ideal for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Baking Soda Bath
- ½ cup baking soda
- 4 cups water
Topping
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead the dough either by hand or using a dough hook attachment for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place it in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and ½ cup baking soda to a gentle boil. This will give the pretzels their distinctive crust during baking.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal parts. Roll each piece into a rope about ½ inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch bites.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath. Let them boil for 20 to 30 seconds, then remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and place onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg to promote browning and sprinkle coarse sea salt over them for flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and brush them while still warm with the melted unsalted butter to add richness and shine.
Notes
- Serve these pretzel bites with cheese sauce or mustard for a savory dip.
- For a sweet variation, omit the coarse sea salt topping and toss the warm pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar after brushing with melted butter.
