Name: Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm milk or water (110 to 115°F); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast; 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed; 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 9 cups water; 1/3 cup baking soda; 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water); Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Why Make This Recipe

Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack that everyone loves. They are soft, chewy, and have a rich buttery flavor. Great as a party snack, game day treat, or just a fun family activity, these homemade bites are sure to impress. Making them from scratch offers not only freshness but also the satisfaction of creating something delicious at home.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

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How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm milk or water (110 to 115°F)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
9 cups water
1/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and wait 5 minutes for it to foam.
Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix the ingredients together and knead the dough until smooth.
Place the dough in a lightly-oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise for 20 to 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 450°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil.
Divide the dough into 12 pieces, roll each piece into ropes, then cut them into 1-inch bites.
Carefully transfer the bites to the boiling water for 30 seconds at a time.
Place the bites on the baking sheet, brush them with the egg wash, and sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until golden brown.
If desired, brush with extra melted butter after baking and serve warm.

How to Serve Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Serve Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites warm, straight from the oven, with your favorite dips! Cheese sauce, mustard, or a spicy dip all pair wonderfully. They make great finger food for parties or casual family gatherings.

How to Store Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

To store leftover pretzel bites, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips to Make Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

Make sure the milk or water is warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Knead the dough well to achieve a soft and elastic texture.
Don’t skip the boiling step! It gives the pretzels their chewy texture.
Experiment with different toppings like garlic powder, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor.

Variation

You can add different flavors to your pretzel bites by mixing in herbs or cheese into the dough before shaping. For a sweet treat, try sprinkling cinnamon and sugar instead of salt.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just add it directly to the flour without waiting for it to foam.

What can I use instead of pretzel salt?
Coarse sea salt works well as a substitute. You can also use regular table salt in a pinch, but use less than the recipe calls for.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Let it rise and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before continuing with the recipe. Let it come to room temperature before boiling and baking.