Soft Pretzel Bites

      Tessa’s Recipe Summary

      TASTE: Tastes just like those classic American mall pretzels, but even better!

      TEXTURE: A lightly crispy outside with a slightly chewy texture and a soft, fluffy interior.

      EASE: Like any yeasted dough, this is more suited for weekend baking – but it's definitely manageable, I assure you!

      PROS: Irresistibly delicious – ideal for snacking while watching a football game or as a tasty contribution to a potluck.

      CONS: None.

      WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? I frequently prepare these!

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      Soft Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and completely addictive in the best way possible.

      These salty morsels evoke fond memories of strolling through the mall with a pretzel in hand, carefree.

      And honestly, I believe these Pretzel Bites taste even better than the ones from the mall!

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      Perfect for Game Day gatherings, potlucks, or Super Bowl parties, these crowd-pleasing snacks will be quickly devoured!

      Pair them with my creamy Beer Cheese Dip, a batch of mouthwatering Empanadas, and my indulgent Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese for an unforgettable party spread.

      Never worked with yeast before? Don’t worry, it’s super easy! This recipe is ideal for beginners, as it only requires one rise. Check out my foolproof tips below.

      Sprinkle of Science

      How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites

      Instant Yeast vs. Active Dry Yeast

      Instant yeast saves time, especially during winter months when rising times can be longer. It is often referred to as ‘rapid rise’ yeast and can typically be found alongside other dry yeasts at your local grocery store. If instant yeast is not available, you can use active dry yeast in the same amount (1:1 ratio), but the dough will need 20% more time to rise. Simply add it in with the other ingredients. Learn more about yeasts in my article on Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast.

      The Baking Soda Bath

      To achieve that classic light and fluffy pretzel texture and flavor, we submerge the Pretzel Bites in a baking soda bath prior to baking. This simple step initiates a chemical reaction (known as the Maillard reaction) during baking that results in a beautiful golden brown crust and a soft, chewy interior.

      Do not skip this step! Without the baking soda bath, your Pretzel Bites will miss the characteristic pretzel flavor, color, and texture, resulting in plain bread rather than pretzels.

      Can I Use a Lye Bath Instead?

      This recipe is designed for soft and chewy pretzel bites with a lighter crust, reminiscent of mall pretzels. If you prefer a Bavarian-style pretzel bite, consider trying my Pretzel Recipe that employs a lye bath, cutting the dough into bite-sized pieces.

      Can I Knead These Pretzel Bites by Hand?

      This dough is quite heavy and dense, so a stand mixer is much more effective for kneading. However, if you do not have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead by hand – just be aware that it will take some upper body strength and additional time. Learn more about kneading dough by hand here.

      Can I Halve This Recipe?

      Absolutely! Simply divide all ingredients except for the baking soda bath in half to yield approximately 40 Pretzel Bites.

      To prepare half the egg wash, crack one egg into a small bowl, whisk it thoroughly, and measure out two tablespoons. Mix this with 1 ½ teaspoons of water to create the egg wash. Use the remaining egg for another purpose, such as scrambling additional eggs.

      How to Serve Pretzel Bites

      Enjoy these Pretzel Bites warm with my Beer Cheese Dip or your preferred mustard or aioli.

      How to Store Pretzel Bites?

      These Pretzel Bites are best enjoyed on the day they are baked. Store any completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If desired, reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to refresh.

      Can You Freeze Pretzel Bites?

      Place baked, cooled Pretzel Bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. The pretzel salt may dissolve into the bites, but they will still taste great.

      To defrost, leave them at room temperature or microwave briefly. If desired, refresh in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispy exterior.

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