Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

These Soft Pretzel Bites are chewy, perfectly soft, and easy to make right at home. To get the best homemade pretzel bites, just follow these easy step by step instructions. You can get your favorite soft pretzel bites without ever leaving your kitchen!

These pretzel bites are so yummy straight from the oven or served with something for dipping. Some of my personal favorites include homemade Cheese Fondue, Alfredo Sauce, or Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Homemade pretzel dough cut into 4 pieces to make soft pretzel bites.

Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

Learn how to make perfectly soft and chewy pretzel bites for snacking at home or serving at your next party. You can make them the classic salted pretzel flavor or switch it up a bit and make them cinnamon sugar, garlic parmesan, or another favorite pretzel flavor.

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The secret to getting that firm skin and definitive “pretzel flavor” is all thanks to the poaching step, which has unfortunately scared off many a potential pretzel-maker. If you still want that true pretzel flavor but don’t want to mess with a caustic lye solution and rubber gloves, then this recipe is for you!

We’ve got your back. All you need is baking soda, water, and a little extra time. They make the best weekend treat or game-day snack.

Pretzel Bite dough being cut with large blade

Key Ingredients

Water – your water to proof yeast should be warm (95-105 degrees F) in order to wake up the yeast.
Sugar – yeast loves sugar, and helps it get nice and bubbly.
Yeast – we use active dry yeast for this recipe which needs to be proofed before adding all of the dough ingredients.
Flour – you can use either all-purpose or bread flour, or even a combination of both.
Baking Soda and Water – this poaching bath gives your pretzels that authentic pretzel flavor, without having to use a caustic lye solution.
Pretzel Salt – this is much coarser than normal salt and is rectangular shaped, which helps it stick to the pretzels. If you can’t find true pretzel salt, coarse sea salt with work just fine.

pretzel bites with egg wash and course salt before baking

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites

Mix the pretzel dough. Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water and let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy. Then, add 2 cups of the flour and your salt, and mix on low speed using the dough hook. Add in the rest of your flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Mix on low for about 2-3 minutes, then cover and let rise until doubled.
Shape the pretzel bites. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 9 equal balls. Cover the dough balls loosely with a kitchen towel and let them relax for about 2 minutes, then cut each dough ball into 4 pieces. Take each piece of dough and begin rolling them into logs that are about 18″ long. Use a sharp knife to cut the pretzels into 1″ pieces.
Poach the pretzels. Boil the water and baking soda in a large pot, then reduce to a simmer and add 6-7 pretzel bites at a time. Poach for 20 seconds, then flip them over and poach for another 20 seconds. Remove them from the water using tongs or a slotted spatula and place on a baking tray.
Dip in egg wash and add salt. As soon as all of your pretzel bites are poached, whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. Dip each bite into the egg wash, then place back onto the baking sheet and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.
Bake. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
Serve. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

pretzel bites baked to golden brown on a baking sheet

Recipe Variations

For a sweet twist, make cinnamon sugar pretzel bites.
Add some savory flavor by brushing the pretzel bites with melted butter and minced garlic, then sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
Give your pretzel bites an everything bagel flavor by brushing them with melted butter and sprinkling a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder over the top before baking.
For a cheesy and spicy twist, mix finely chopped jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese into the pretzel dough before rolling into bites. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt before baking.
Add some Italian flavor by brushing the pretzel bites with melted butter and spreading a mixture of pesto and grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
If your thing is buttery, Auntie Anne style soft pretzels, we hear ya! The secret is to brush the top of each pretzel with melted butter once they are fresh out of the oven. Let them cool for just a minute or two so that more of the butter has a chance to stick.

soft pretzel bites rolled in cinnamon sugar

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you proof yeast?

Yes, but first things first. There are two main types of dry yeast that you will find at the grocery store – instant yeast (or quick rise) and active dry yeast.

Without getting into too much of the science, instant yeast is specially manufactured so that it can just be dumped into your dries and mixed.
Active dry yeast, on the other hand, needs to be woken up, or “proofed.”

Don’t be scared! Proofing yeast really couldn’t be more simple. All you need to do is combine your active dry yeast with warm water or milk and a touch of sugar, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature until it starts to get nice and bubbly.

Other Bread Recipes we love!

Ths Soft Homemade Pretzel Bites Recipe makes chewy and perfectly soft pretzel bites. To get the best homemade pretzel bites, just follow these easy step by step instructions. You can get your favorite soft pretzel bites without ever leaving your kitchen!

Categories:

Appetizers, Breads, Dairy-Free, Game Day, Nut-Free, Vegetarian,