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The Ultimate Guide to Irresistible Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

The Ultimate Guide to Irresistible Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
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Soft pretzel bites are one of the most fun snacks to make at home—warm, chewy, golden, and perfect for dipping! This version uses simple pantry ingredients and makes a big batch for sharing. Follow the steps and tips below for the softest, most delicious pretzel bites every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Soft Pretzel Dough

  • 1 ½ cups warm water

  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar

  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)

  • 3 oz unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 ½ tsp kosher salt

  • 4 ½–5 cups all-purpose flour

  • Vegetable oil (for greasing the bowl)

Boiling Solution

  • 3 quarts water

  • 1/3 cup baking soda

Topping

  • 1 whole egg, beaten with 1 tbsp cold water

  • Coarse sea salt

Cheese Sauce

  • ½ tbsp unsalted butter

  • ½ tbsp all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup milk

  • 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, brown sugar, yeast, and melted butter. Mix gently and let sit for 5 minutes.

  2. Add salt and flour. Mix on low until combined, then increase to medium and knead for 3–4 minutes, until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl.

  3. If the dough is too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

  4. Place dough on a flat surface, shape it into a ball, and transfer to a lightly oiled bowl.

  5. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.

2. Shape the Pretzel Bites

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a roasting pan. Slowly add the baking soda (it will foam).

  3. Turn the risen dough out onto the counter and divide into 8 pieces.

  4. Roll each piece into a 22-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

3. Boil the Pretzel Bites

  1. Boil pretzel pieces in batches (about 15 at a time) for 30 seconds.

  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a greased baking sheet, making sure pieces do not touch.

4. Bake

  1. Brush each pretzel bite with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.

  2. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.

  3. Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack.

5. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

  3. Whisk in milk and heat until slightly thickened.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar until smooth.

  5. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

  • Use warm—not hot—water to activate the yeast (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C).

  • Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their classic flavor and chewy crust.

  • If the dough feels sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until soft and workable.

  • For extra flavor, brush with melted butter after baking.

  • Pretzel bites taste best fresh but can be reheated in the oven to bring back the softness.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-irresistible-homemade-soft-pretzel-bites/