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Golden soft pretzel bites with coarse salt and creamy dipping sauce on a plate.

Warm Bakery-Style Pretzel Bites

Warm Bakery-Style Pretzel Bites, chewy pretzel bites that fill the kitchen with that unmistakable cozy-bakery aroma.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rest Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 62
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, German-inspired
Calories: 135
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups warm water lukewarm to activate yeast without killing it
  • 2 ½ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast fresh and within expiration for proper rise
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar adds mild sweetness and helps yeast bloom
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons fine salt balances flavor in the dough
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter melted slightly cooled to avoid overheating yeast
  • 4 to 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled for accuracy
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top before baking
Baking Soda Bath
  • ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon baking soda creates the classic pretzel crust
  • 9 ½ cups water enough volume for proper boiling coverage
Optional for Serving
  • Cheese sauce or mustard for dipping and added flavor variety

Method
 

  1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl or mixer and let it sit uncovered until foamy on the surface.
  2. Add the salt, melted butter, and most of the flour, then mix on low speed until a soft dough begins forming.
  3. Continue mixing while gradually adding remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides and is slightly tacky but manageable.
  4. Knead the dough with a hook or by hand until smooth, elastic, and gently springy when pressed.
  5. Cover the dough loosely and let it rest until relaxed and slightly puffed.
  6. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets with nonstick mats or lightly greased parchment.
  7. Divide the dough evenly, roll each portion into long ropes, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil, then briefly submerge small batches of dough pieces before draining well.
  9. Arrange the boiled bites on baking sheets and sprinkle with coarse salt while still damp.
  10. Bake until deeply golden and glossy, then remove and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 35gCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 2.5gSaturated Fat: 1.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 60IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

Warm, salty, and nostalgic, these pretzel bites bring the feeling of a mall pretzel stand straight into your kitchen. Perfect for sharing, dipping, and sneaking straight off the tray while they’re still steaming.

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