Pretzel Bites are a perfect mouth popping snack! These soft pretzel bites have all the delicious flavor of your favorite pup pretzel. Make a batch of this delicious snack and eat plain or dipped in mustard.
I have a confession to make. I love pretzels! I love pretzel sticks, pretzel rods, twisted pretzels , chocolate dipped pretzels, pretzel rolls 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.
Steps to make
- Place water, yeast and sugar in a bowl of a stand mixer
- Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes until bubbly
- Add salt and 2 cups of flour
- Continue adding flour ¼ cup at a time until the dough forms a ball
- Knead dough in mixer for 10 minutes
- Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Allow dough to sit at room temperature until the dough has doubled in size.
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Punch down dough and cut into eight pieces.
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Working with just one piece at a time (keep other pieces covered) form dough into a 10 inch rope.
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Cut rope into one inch pieces.
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Repeat with remaining dough
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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.
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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.
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While the pretzels are still damp, sprinkle with coarse salt.
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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
Equipment I used to make these pretzel bites
- Stand Mixer
- Bench Scraper
- Skimmer - for scooping pretzels out of boiling water
- Coarse Salt
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!
Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water (warm)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast (or one package)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups flour
- 6 cups boiling water
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
Topping
- 1 teaspoon Coarse salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ cups water, yeast, and sugar.
- Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add salt and 2 cups of flour. Mix
- Continue mixing and gradually add flour until dough is no longer sticky.
- Knead in a stand mixer for 10 minutes.
- Place into a greased bowl, cover and let sit until doubled in size (1 - 1 ½ hours)
- Punch down dough and cut into eight pieces.
- Working with just one piece at a time (keep other pieces covered) form dough into a 10 inch rope.
- Cut rope into one inch pieces.
- Repeat with remaining dough;
- 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.
- 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.
- While the pretzels are still damp, sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Continue with remaining dough.
- Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.
Notes
- Dip pretzels in mustard, cheese sauce or eat plain
- Pretzels are best eaten the same day they are made
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in March 2016. The recipe, directions and photos have been updated.
Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour
rita says
My first attempt at pretzel bites! It was so much fun for both myself and my 8 year old granddaughter We used 2 cups each of white and whole wheat flour. The only problem we had was getting enough of the salt to stick! A bit of dipping sauce solved that problem very nicely! Thank you.
Kathy says
What a fun cooking project for you and your granddaughter! The trick to getting the salt to stick is to sprinkle it on as soon as you remove them from the water bath, while they are still damp.
Valentina says
Ooooh, I love a soft pretzel and these little bites are perfect. Only I would surely eat way too many! If there is such a thing. 🙂 ~Valentina
Kathy says
I tend to eat more than my share!
David @ Spiced says
Thanks for reposting this recipe, Kathy! I totally need to make a batch of these for next weekend's football games! The only problem is I might just eat the entire batch myself. Haha!
Megan - The Emotional Baker says
I love making pretzels dogs and pretzel buns. I've never made bites. These would be so dangerous. I wouldn't be able to stop! They look phenomenal, Kathy 🙂
Kathy says
I haven't made dogs or buns...I'd better bake some more pretzels!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
Delicious! I am afraid they won't last long in my house! 😉
Kathy says
Love that there are so many pretzel lovers out there!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Oh gosh I'm the same way, I LOVEEE soft pretzels! These bites sound delicious!!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
I love pretzels, too, Kathy! I can't imagine any being leftover cause these are so cute & delicious!
Kathy says
You are right....not sure what I was thinking! 🙂
Laura says
Kathy, these pretzel bites look absolutely fab! The ultimate comfort food. I share your love of pretzel!
Kathy says
They are the ultimate comfort food and ultimate snacking food!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Like everyone else I am also a big fan of pretzels, but I have never tried making my own. Thanks for the recipe. Will give it a go sometime soon!
Kathy says
Homemade pretzels are well worth making!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I love pretzels, too, Kathy.. but really what sane person doesn't?? And I happen to swoon over all things mini, so these little bites are totally calling my name! I could eat a dangerous amount of these lil beauties! Snack time perfection! Cheers, friend!
Kathy says
The mini size is perfect for popping right into your mouth!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I could eat the entire bowl of these beauties Kathy! A favorite snack at our house for sure!
Kathy says
I ate an entire bowl of them 🙂 Now I need to make another batch!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
I do not think I will have ANY problem taking care of all these adorable pretzel bites on Day One. Can't wait to give these a try!!
Kathy says
These bites are totally addicting!
David @ Spiced says
I love pretzels, too, Kathy! And homemade pretzels are totally the best. Isn't it awesome how easy they are to make? I'm guessing your sons and husband made quick work of these awesome bites!
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Oh I am the SAME, I love pretzels! No one makes good ones here but we always have our fill when we visit the States. Love that I can try these at home! Yum!
Kathy says
I think you are going to need to make a batch to satisfy that pretzel craving!
Kaylene @ The Links Site says
Ooh I have never made pretzels before from scratch, these look like they would be very easy! It's a pity they are not as good the next day but it's a good excuse to eat more!
Kathy says
They are quite easy to make. Give them a try!
mira says
I always get pretzel bites at the mall! Never made them myself, but will definitely try this recipe! Love it! Pinned!
Kathy says
I can only find those giant sized pretzels...I love the bite sized ones. I hope you give these a try!
Ansh says
There is no such thing as leftover pretzel bites in my house :)) We just go through it all, so we won't have a problem finishing this batch in one sitting.
Kathy says
Sounds like these pretzel bites would be perfect for your household!
Amanda says
Making pretzels is so much fun and they're probably my favorite salty snack. But whenever I make them they always look like huge freakish mounds. Haha. I think pretzels bites are a good alternative for me. These look wonderful!
Kathy says
These bites will turn our perfectly shaped....because there's no shaping to them. Just roll out a log and cut! And they taste as delicious as the twisted complicated kind!