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The BEST Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites with Baking Soda Bath

A pile of golden brown, shiny soft pretzel bites sprinkled generously with coarse pretzel salt.
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Make irresistible, chewy soft pretzel bites at home. This recipe uses a simple dough and a baking soda bath for authentic texture, perfect as a game day snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water (for boiling bath)
  • Coarse salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Add the melted butter and half of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Mix until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Bring the 8 cups of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a boil in a large, wide pot.
  8. Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into 8 equal pieces to form 64 small dough balls.
  9. Working in batches, carefully drop 4 to 6 dough pieces into the boiling baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds, flipping once. Do not overcook.
  10. Use a slotted spoon to remove the dough pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  11. Brush the tops of the boiled dough pieces generously with melted butter. Sprinkle immediately with coarse salt.
  12. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until golden brown.
  13. Serve warm with your favorite dips, like cheese sauce or honey mustard.

Notes

  • For a sweet variation, skip the coarse salt and toss the warm bites in cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter.
  • If you want a savory Garlic Parmesan flavor, brush the baked bites with melted butter and toss with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
  • You can use store-bought biscuit dough for a quicker option, but the texture will be less authentic than using homemade dough.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/best-buttery-soft-pretzel-bites-recipe/