These Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites are warm, fluffy, and simply irresistible! With a golden-brown outside and a soft inside, they’re perfect for dipping in cheese or mustard.
Making these pretzel bites is a fun kitchen project! I love enjoying them fresh out of the oven, and they disappear fast—better make a double batch! 😋
You only need simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and salt, so they are super easy to whip up at home. Plus, they make the perfect snack for movie night or any get-together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: The water should be about 110°F for the yeast to activate properly. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot to your touch. You can use milk instead of water for a richer flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast and helps it grow. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, honey or agave syrup can be good substitutes, but use a little less because they’re sweeter.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount without needing to activate it first. Just mix it directly with the flour.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you’re gluten-free, there are specific gluten-free flour blends that include xanthan gum which you could try instead.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dough. You can replace it with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a non-dairy option.
Coarse Sea Salt: This adds great flavor on top! If you don’t have coarse salt, regular table salt works fine; just sprinkle lightly to avoid over-salting.
How Do You Get Perfectly Chewy Pretzel Bites?
The key to that wonderful chewy texture in soft pretzels is the boiling step. When you place the pretzel bites in boiling water mixed with baking soda, it creates the classic pretzel crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Boil around 10 cups of water. Be cautious when adding baking soda as it can bubble up.
- Drop the bites into the boiling water. This should be done in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Keep them in for about 30 seconds. This allows them to puff up slightly and form a chewy exterior.
After boiling, let them drain a bit before placing them on the baking sheet. This little step makes all the difference in the texture you’ll love!
How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 90 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the dough, and then let it rise for an hour. After that, it’s about 15 minutes for baking. The cheese sauce comes together in just a few minutes—easy and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms. You might need to use your hands or a wooden spoon to combine it well.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. Once done, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat and Prepare:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pretzel bites won’t stick.
5. Prepare the Boiling Solution:
In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda (be cautious as it will bubble up). This step helps get that classic pretzel flavor!
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and then cut it into 1-inch pieces to form your pretzel bites.
7. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Carefully place the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches for about 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the beaten egg to give them a nice shiny finish. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for extra flavor.
9. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Bake your pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and delicious!
10. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
While the pretzel bites are baking, make the cheese sauce by heating the cheddar cheese and milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until it’s nice, smooth, and melted.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
When your pretzel bites are ready, serve them warm with the delicious cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy your homemade treats!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. If you use whole wheat flour, you might need to add a bit more water since it absorbs moisture differently. Start with the same amount and adjust slowly until the dough reaches the right consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed plastic bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before continuing with the rest of the recipe.
What Can I Use Instead of Cheddar Cheese for Dipping?
If cheddar cheese isn’t available, you can use any cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack for added flavor! Heat it the same way with a bit of milk until smooth for a delicious dip.
