Soft & Chewy Homemade Pretzel Bites – Easy No-Fuss Snack Everyone Loves

My Favorite Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe – Perfect for Snacking!

Hello, friend! If you love soft, chewy snacks just as much as I do, I’m so excited to share this soft pretzel bites recipe with you. These little treats are the perfect combination of a golden crust sprinkled with coarse salt and a pillowy inside. Making them at home is super fun, and you actually get to taste the difference from store-bought. Plus, they’re great for sharing on game day, parties, or a cozy night in. Let’s dive in and I’ll guide you through everything step-by-step!

Nutritional Benefits of Pretzel Bites

While these soft pretzel bites are definitely a treat, they’re not too heavy. The flour and yeast give you some carbohydrates for energy, and baking them yourself means you can control the salt and butter levels. If you choose to skip the butter, the bites are lighter, and you can enjoy them without too much guilt. Also, since they’re baked and not fried, they’re a healthier alternative to fried snacks. If you pair them with mustard or a cheese dip, you get some protein and extra flavor that balances the snack nicely.

Fun Ways to Customize Your Pretzel Bites

• Cheese-Stuffed: Before boiling, try putting a small cube of your favorite cheese inside each small dough piece for a delicious surprise!
• Sweet Twist: After baking, brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and toss with cinnamon sugar instead of salt—this makes a yummy dessert snack.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum and follow the same process for a gluten-free snack everyone can enjoy.
• Herb Flavored: Mix some dried rosemary or garlic powder into your salt topping for an herby kick.

Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe – Step by Step

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (for dough)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for softness)
• 10 cups water (for baking soda bath)
• 2/3 cup baking soda (for baking soda bath)
• Coarse pretzel salt for sprinkling
• (Optional) Cheese dipping sauce or mustard for serving

Instructions

1. First, in a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step wakes up your yeast and helps the dough rise nicely.
2. Once the yeast is bubbly, add the melted butter (if you’re using it), the salt, and slowly add the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir everything until a dough starts to come together.
3. Now, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. I love this part because you can really feel how the dough changes texture.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and put it somewhere warm for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
6. Next, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. This baking soda bath gives the pretzels that classic chewy crust and deep brown color.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it into a long rope about an inch thick, then cut the rope into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces. These will be your pretzel bites.
8. Carefully drop a few pieces at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Let them boil for 20-30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. While still wet, sprinkle coarse pretzel salt over each bite. This is when the magic happens!
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they reach a deep golden brown color. That golden color means they’re perfectly done.
11. Let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Dip them in your favorite cheese sauce or mustard, and enjoy warm for the best taste.

Helpful Tips for Making Perfect Pretzel Bites

• If your dough feels sticky while kneading, just sprinkle a little more flour—but don’t add too much or the bites will get dense.
• Boiling the pretzel bites in the baking soda bath is a key step – don’t skip it! It creates that amazing golden crust and taste.
• For easy slicing, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the dough rope into even pieces.
• Make sure to bake them right after the baking soda bath; waiting too long can make the surface dry and affect how the salt sticks.
• If you want softer pretzels, brush each bite with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork (to mix yeast and water)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large pot (for the baking soda bath)
• Slotted spoon (for removing pretzel bites from hot water)
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
• Rolling pin or your hands (to roll the dough rope)
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for dough rising)
• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors (to cut dough)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make pretzel bites without baking soda?
   The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and deep color. Without it, they’ll be more like regular bread bites.
2. How do I store leftover pretzel bites?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also freeze them in a bag and reheat in the oven for best freshness.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes! If you use instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with dry ingredients.
4. Is it okay to skip the butter in the dough?
   Absolutely! Butter is optional and just adds softness, but your pretzel bites will still taste great without it.
5. What’s a good dipping sauce for pretzel bites?
   Cheese sauce and mustard are classic options. You can also try ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy beer cheese dip!

Let’s Share Some Pretzel Love!

I can’t wait for you to try these soft pretzel bites—they’re truly a joy to make and eat. If you bake a batch, please share your photos and ideas with me on Pinterest! I love seeing your creations and am always here to help if you have questions. Happy baking and snack away!