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Homemade Pretzel Bites

Pretzel bites are small, chewy snacks with a shiny, golden crust, achieved through boiling in baking soda water before baking. Made from simple dough ingredients, they transform into salty, slightly dense treats with a satisfying bite and crunchy exterior. Their rustic appearance and warm aroma make them an irresistible snack for any gathering.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet instant yeast or active dry yeast
  • 1.5 cups warm water around 38°C (100°F)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp baking soda for the boiling water
  • coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 1 egg beaten egg for brushing

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit until frothy and bubbly, about 5 minutes, which indicates the yeast is active.
  2. Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead with your hands or a dough hook until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and just slightly sticky, about 8 minutes. This develops gluten for that chewy texture.
  3. Divide the dough into small golf ball-sized pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
  4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then stir in the baking soda. This alkaline solution gives the pretzels their characteristic shiny, brown crust.
  5. Shape each dough ball into a pretzel shape or a small knot. Carefully drop each piece into the boiling baking soda water, boiling for 30 seconds to achieve that chewy, glossy exterior.
  6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the boiled pretzels and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Brush the pretzels generously with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for that salty crunch.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are deep golden brown and puffy. The smell of warm dough and salty goodness will fill your kitchen.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, and enjoy the chewy, salty bites that are perfect for snacking or sharing!

Notes

For vegan options, skip the egg wash and brush with plant-based milk or oil before baking. Adjust baking time for larger or smaller bites as needed.