Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are not only incredibly delicious, but they are also surprisingly easy to make. The dough is soft and buttery, and the baking soda bath gives them that signature pretzel flavor and deep golden color. Topped with coarse sea salt and paired with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s mustard, cheese sauce, or something sweet—these bites are irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, making them ideal for any gathering, game day, or even a cozy snack night at home.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath:

10 cups water
⅔ cup baking soda

Topping:

1 egg yolk, whisked with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt

Optional Dipping Sauces:

Mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip

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

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture, and stir until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda carefully (it will bubble up), then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a long rope, about 12 inches long. Cut the rope into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch each).
Boil the Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all pretzel bites are boiled.
Add the Egg Wash and Salt: Brush the top of each pretzel bite with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.
Bake the Pretzel Bites: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Allow the pretzel bites to cool for a few minutes before serving with your choice of dipping sauces like mustard, cheese sauce, or even a sweet dip like chocolate or caramel.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)

Variations

Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites: For a cheesy twist, stuff the dough with small cubes of cheese before rolling it into ropes and cutting it into bites. Mozzarella or cheddar works wonderfully.
Garlic Butter Pretzel Bites: After baking, brush the pretzel bites with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan for a garlicky twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: For a sweet version, after baking, brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a dessert-style treat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave individual bites for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm water.

2. Do I need to boil the pretzel bites?

Yes, boiling the pretzel bites in the baking soda bath is what gives them that signature pretzel texture and flavor. It also helps them develop a crispy golden crust.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

4. Can I freeze the pretzel bites?

Yes, you can freeze the pretzel bites before baking. After boiling them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?

To make these gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum and is suitable for baking yeast-based recipes.

6. Can I skip the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath is crucial for the classic pretzel texture and flavor. Skipping it will result in a softer, less traditional pretzel.

7. Can I use a different type of salt?

You can use regular salt if you don’t have coarse sea salt or pretzel salt. However, the larger flakes of pretzel salt give the bites a nice crunch and flavor.

8. How do I prevent the pretzel bites from sticking to the baking sheet?

Make sure to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet.

9. Can I add other toppings to the pretzel bites?

Definitely! You can experiment with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor.

10. What dipping sauces go best with pretzel bites?

Pretzel bites are delicious with a variety of dipping sauces, including mustard (spicy or Dijon), cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or even a sweet caramel or chocolate sauce for a dessert option.

Conclusion

Soft Pretzel Bites are the perfect snack or appetizer that everyone will love. With their chewy, buttery texture and crispy golden crust, these bite-sized pretzels are sure to be a hit. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with a movie, or just satisfying your snack cravings, they are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Plus, with endless dipping sauce options, they’re a fun treat for everyone!