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The Ultimate Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites

A pile of freshly baked, golden brown pretzel bites sprinkled generously with coarse salt on a white plate.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel bites at home that taste like they came from the mall. These bites use a simple yeast dough, a baking soda bath for color, and are brushed with butter and salt. They are perfect for game days or parties.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. In a wide, shallow dish, mix the 1/2 cup of baking soda with 8 cups of water. This is your boiling bath.
  7. Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 inch thick.
  8. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
  9. Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bites into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds, turning once. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  11. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
  12. Immediately brush the hot pretzel bites with additional melted butter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For a sweet variation, skip the coarse salt and toss the warm, buttered bites in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
  • Serve these with a warm cheddar cheese sauce or spicy brown mustard for the best dipping experience.
  • You can prepare the dough a day ahead, let it rise, punch it down, and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add 15 minutes to the final rise time if using cold dough.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/ultimate-buttery-soft-pretzel-bites/