Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 40 pretzel bites 1x
  • Diet: Can be made Gluten Free (see variations)

Description

The Best Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are soft, warm, and buttery snacks with a perfect balance of chewy and tender textures. Featuring a golden crust from a baking soda bath and a rich buttery finish, these bite-sized pretzels are ideal for game day, snacks, or any comforting treat. Simple to prepare and customizable with savory or sweet toppings, they deliver the classic soft pretzel flavor in an easy-to-make form.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) Instant Yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Warm Water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted

Baking Soda Bath

  • 10 cups Water
  • 2/3 cup Baking Soda

Toppings

  • Coarse Salt for sprinkling
  • Additional Melted Butter for brushing

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Activate Yeast: Dissolve the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle the instant yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix and Knead the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a long rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces and shape each piece into a bite-sized ball or mini pretzel shape.
  5. Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Drop pretzel bites in batches, boiling for about 30 seconds to develop the signature chewy crust. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake and Butter: Sprinkle the boiled pretzel bites with coarse salt. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Immediately brush with melted butter for a rich, buttery finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast for best rising and texture.
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath as it is essential for color, chewiness, and flavor.
  • Brush pretzel bites with butter while hot to seal in moisture and enhance softness.
  • Knead the dough until elastic to develop the ideal gluten structure.
  • Allow adequate rising time so the dough doubles and becomes airy.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, buttery pretzels, appetizer, snack, game day food, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/the-best-buttery-soft-pretzel-bites/