These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are irresistibly soft on the inside, perfectly golden on the outside, and generously brushed with butter and salt. They make an excellent snack, appetizer, or a fun addition to any meal. Whether paired with mustard, creamy cheese sauce, or your favorite dip, these bites are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, movie night, or a casual gathering, these pretzel bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Soft and Buttery: They deliver a soft, chewy texture on the inside with a crisp, golden-brown exterior that’s brushed with melted butter.
Easy to Make: No complicated techniques required—just simple steps for a bakery-style treat.
Customizable: Pair them with cheese dip, mustard, or any dip of your choice, and add different toppings for variety.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the water bath:
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
For the topping:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Coarse salt, to taste
Directions
Prepare the yeast mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until the dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the pretzel bites:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each rope into small, 1-inch pieces to form pretzel bites.
Boil the pretzel bites:
Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and carefully add the baking soda. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches, letting them cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Once all the pretzel bites are boiled, bake them for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Add the finishing touch:
Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
Serve:
Let the pretzel bites cool slightly and serve them with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes about 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
Sweet Pretzel Bites: Skip the coarse salt and, after baking, toss the bites in melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese over the bites just before baking for a cheesy finish.
Garlic Butter Pretzels: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and brush the bites generously after baking.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili flakes or Cajun seasoning on top for a spiced-up version.
Whole Wheat Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bite.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the baked pretzel bites in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the pretzel bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds, though the oven will retain their crispiness better.
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FAQs
How can I tell if my yeast is still active?
To test yeast, dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams after 5-10 minutes, it’s still active and ready to use.
Can I make these pretzel bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
Why do I need to boil the pretzel bites before baking?
Boiling the pretzel bites in water with baking soda creates the chewy texture and signature crust that pretzels are known for.
What’s the best dip to serve with these pretzel bites?
Cheese sauce, spicy mustard, or honey mustard are classic choices. For a unique twist, try marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Skip the proofing step and add the instant yeast directly to the flour mixture.
Conclusion
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are a versatile and satisfying snack that everyone will love. With their chewy center, crisp exterior, and buttery finish, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night at home. Pair them with your favorite dip, and you’ll have a recipe that’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Give them a try, and enjoy the unbeatable flavor of homemade pretzels!
📖 Recipe:
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Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes Rising)
- Yield: About 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites are irresistibly soft on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, and generously brushed with butter and salt. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, they pair beautifully with cheese dip, mustard, or your favorite sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Water Bath:
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
For the Topping:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Coarse salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until dissolved, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. - Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Punch down the dough, divide into 4 portions, roll into 1/2-inch ropes, and cut into 1-inch pieces. - Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Boil water and add baking soda. Drop pretzel bites in batches, cooking for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the baking sheet. - Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. - Finish and Serve:
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
Notes
Sweet Option: Toss baked bites in cinnamon sugar.
Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle cheese before baking.
Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8 servings
