The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites
The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are golden, tender morsels bursting with warm, buttery flavor and a delightful chewy texture. Perfect as bite-sized snacks for any occasion, they are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and can be customized with various toppings and dips. These pretzel bites bring a homemade touch of warmth and joy to your gatherings.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 40 pretzel bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105°F-110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Boiling Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Toppings and Finishing
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Activate the Yeast: Dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle in the active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. This will develop the pretzels’ signature crust and color.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough, roll it into long ropes, and cut into small, uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Drop the cut dough pieces into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Salt: Immediately after baking, brush the hot pretzel bites with melted unsalted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Use water at 105°F-110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
- Cut dough into uniform pieces for even baking and professional appearance.
- Boil dough pieces for exactly 30 seconds to develop the perfect chewy crust.
- Brush butter right after baking for maximum absorption and flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh the same day; store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: soft pretzel bites, buttery pretzels, snack recipes, appetizer, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel bites, savory snacks