Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for satisfying those salty cravings—easy homemade soft pretzel bites! Whether you’re looking for a fun family snack, a quick party appetizer, or just something delicious to munch on while watching your favorite show, these bite-sized treats are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. Let’s dive in and get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy, and perfectly salty—just like the pretzels you love from the mall!
- Easy to make and fun for the whole family to help with.
- Perfect for snacking, parties, or even as a quick after-school treat.
- Customizable with your favorite dips or toppings.
- Ready in under an hour—faster than ordering takeout!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious soft pretzel bites:
- 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
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 egg yolk, whisked with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
- Mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make these soft pretzel bites. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for giving your pretzels that light, airy texture.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
Bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. This step gives the pretzels their signature chewy exterior.
Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then cut it into 1-inch pieces to form the bites.
Step 6: Boil the Pretzel Bites
Carefully add the pretzel bites to the boiling baking soda bath. Cook for 30 seconds on each side, then remove them with a slotted spoon.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dip, whether it’s mustard, cheese sauce, or something else entirely!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Make sure the water for the baking soda bath is at a rolling boil before adding the pretzel bites.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when boiling the pretzels—cook them in batches if necessary.
- For an extra crispy exterior, bake the pretzels for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Let the dough rise longer for a lighter, airier texture.
How to Serve
These soft pretzel bites are perfect as a snack on their own, but they’re even better with a dip! Try serving them with a side of spicy mustard, creamy cheese sauce, or even a homemade dip like the ones from my How to Make Crispy Low-Carb Cottage Cheese Chips at Home recipe. For a sweet and savory combination, pair them with the How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches for a delicious dessert and snack pairing.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Once baked, the pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the freshest taste, bake them just before serving.
And there you have it—easy homemade soft pretzel bites that are sure to become a family favorite! Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, an easy pasta recipe, or just a fun snack to munch on, this recipe delivers. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I’d love to see what you make!
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 10 cups water for baking soda bath
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 egg yolk egg yolk whisked with 1 tablespoon water
- coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
- mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip
Instructions
- Activate the yeast in warm water with sugar, then mix flour, salt, and melted butter to form dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 10 minutes.
- Prepare a baking soda bath with 10 cups of water and ⅔ cup baking soda.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch pieces, boil in the baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse salt.