Description
Soft and fluffy pretzel bites made by boiling dough pieces in a baking soda bath, then baking to golden perfection—an irresistible homemade snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups all‑purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm milk or water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 9 cups water (for baking soda bath)
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, warm milk (or water), and melted butter. Mix on medium speed for 4–5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms, adding a tablespoon of flour at a time if dough is too sticky.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes (or until doubled in size).
- Preheat your oven to 450 °F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
- Once dough has risen, divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about ¾‑inch thick and cut into 1–2 inch bite‑sized pieces.
- Gently drop the bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush each bite with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt if going the savory route.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Serve warm with honey mustard, cheese dip, or your favorite accompaniment.
Notes
- For a sweet version, skip the coarse salt and after baking toss the bites in melted butter and cinnamon sugar. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- If the dough feels too sticky to work with, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable. Humid kitchens may require extra flour. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time—after the first rise, refrigerate overnight, then shape, boil, and bake when ready.
- Leftovers are best reheated in a 350 °F oven for 4–5 minutes to restore crunch; microwave reheats quickly but softens the crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking (with boiling step)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
