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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Baking Soda Bath

A stack of golden brown, shiny pretzel bites topped with coarse salt, one broken open showing the soft interior.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel bites from scratch using a simple yeast dough and a baking soda bath for authentic texture. These are perfect game day appetizers served warm with cheese dip or mustard.

Ingredients

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  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the bites: Punch down the dough. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about ¾ inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
  5. Prepare the bath: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a wide, shallow pan, mix the baking soda into 8 cups of boiling water.
  6. Boil the bites: Working in batches, carefully drop about 8 to 10 dough balls into the baking soda bath. Boil for 30 seconds, turning once. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Egg wash and salt: Brush the tops of the boiled dough balls with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Brush the hot pretzel bites immediately with melted butter. Serve warm with your favorite dips.

Notes

  • For a quick alternative, you can substitute the yeast dough with refrigerated biscuit dough, cutting the biscuits into quarters before boiling.
  • To make a simple cheese dip, melt 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese with ¼ cup of milk and a pinch of cayenne pepper over low heat.
  • For honey mustard dip, mix equal parts Dijon mustard and honey.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/easy-homemade-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe/