Pretzel Bites

This post may contain affiliate links, see my Privacy Policy.

Pretzel Bites are a perfect mouth popping snack!

I have a confession to make.  I love pretzels!  I love pretzel sticks, pretzel rods, twisted pretzels , crunchy pretzels and of course fresh pretzels.  These pretzel bites are a fresh pretzel in a mini size.  

Bites are perfect because they are easy to make…and I don’t have as much guilt if I eat a handful…or two!  I mean they are minis, right?

I’ve made these bite sized pretzels on several different occasions. They are perfect when you want a fun snack for  your family or a treat at a party. I love making them on the weekend when we are watching football. They are perfect by themselves or dipped in mustard or a cheese sauce. 

Are these pretzel bites hard or soft?

These are a soft pretzel. They remind me of the large twisted pretzels you get from a street vendor or a hot pretzel shop. 

What ingredients do I need to make pretzel bites?

• Water
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Flour
• Baking Soda – for boiling in water

How do I make pretzel bites?

1. Place water, yeast and sugar in a bowl of a stand mixer
2. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes until bubbly
3. Add salt and 2 cups of flour
4. Continue adding flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball
5. Knead dough in mixer for 10 minutes
6. Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
7. Allow dough to sit at room temperature until the dough has doubled in size.
8. Punch down dough and cut into eight pieces.

9. Working with just one piece at a time (keep other pieces covered) form dough into a 10 inch rope.

10. Cut rope into one inch pieces.
11. Repeat with remaining dough
12. In a large pot boil 6 cups of water and add baking soda. Once boiling, add 10-12 pretzels. You will need to do this in several batches because you don’t want to overcrowd the pot.

13. Boil until dough floats to the top – approximately 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon or a skimmer so the water drains off. Place on a paper towel and then move to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

14. While the pretzels are still damp, sprinkle with coarse salt.

15. Continue with remaining dough.

    Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. 

How long do fresh pretzels last?

I find these bites are best eaten the same day they are made. 

Why do I need to boil the pretzel dough before baking?

Boiling pretzel dough in water with baking soda is what gives pretzels that distinct exterior. It helps the pretzels puff up and creates that crackly surface. The dough is only boiled for about a minute and then removed to a baking sheet. They are fully baked in an oven. 

Other great finger food

• Crispy Chickpeas
• Mini Taco Cups
• Baked Tortilla Chips
• Bake Pita Chips
• Tortilla Pinwheels 

Equipment I used to make these pretzel bites

• Stand Mixer
• Bench Scraper
• Skimmer – for scooping pretzels out of boiling water
• Coarse Salt

Don’t forget to PIN for later!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

If you loved this recipe you’ll LOVE all the others in this category. Check out all my appetizers here!

5 from 3 votes

Print

Pretzel Bites

Prep Time

30 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Rise Time

1 hr 30 mins

Total Time

2 hrs 40 mins

 

Pretzel snack bites

Course: Baking, Bread, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Homemade Pretzels, Pretzel Bites, Soft Pretzels

Servings: 8 Dozen

Calories: 439 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water warm
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast or one package
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/2 - 4 cups flour
• 6 cups boiling water
• 4 teaspoons baking soda

Topping

• 1 teaspoon Coarse salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups water, yeast, and sugar.

2. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
3. Add salt and 2 cups of flour. Mix
4. Continue mixing and gradually add flour until dough is no longer sticky.

5. Knead in a stand mixer for 10 minutes.

6. Place into a greased bowl, cover and let sit until doubled in size (1 - 1 1/2 hours)
7. Punch down dough and cut into eight pieces.

8. Working with just one piece at a time (keep other pieces covered) form dough into a 10 inch rope.

9. Cut rope into one inch pieces.

10. Repeat with remaining dough;

11. In a large pot boil 6 cups of water and add baking soda. Once boiling, add cut 10-12 pretzels. You will need to do this in several batches because you don't want to overcrowd the pan.

12. Boil until dough floats to the top - approximately 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon so the water will drain off. Place on a paper towel and then move to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

13. While the pretzels are still damp, sprinkle with coarse salt.

14. Continue with remaining dough.

15. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Recipe Notes

• Dip pretzels in mustard, cheese sauce or eat plain
• Pretzels are best eaten the same day they are made

Nutrition Facts

Pretzel Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 Dozen)

Calories 439 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 622mg27%

Potassium 158mg5%

Carbohydrates 91g30%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 13g26%

Calcium 19mg2%

Iron 6mg33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe was originally posted in March 2016. The recipe, directions and photos have been updated. 

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour