There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about homemade soft pretzel Bites when they are warm, buttery, and chewy with a touch of salt. But when you turn that goodness into soft pretzel bites, you’ve got a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a cozy night in.
These easy pretzel bites are made with basic ingredients, come together in a few quick steps, and are endlessly customizable. Make them both savory or sweet.
Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned home cook, this soft pretzel bites recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s turn a simple dough ball into warm, golden brown, buttery pretzel bites.
Easy Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe: A Crowd Favorite Snack
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Soft Pretzel Dough
- 1 ½ Cups Warm Water about 110°F
- 2 ¼ Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast 1 packet
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt or kosher salt
- 4 Cups All-Purpose Flour plus extra for dusting
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Melted Butter
For the baking soda bath
- ½ Cup Baking Soda
- 1 Large Pot of Water
Toppings
- Coarse salt pretzel salt, or coarse sea salt
- Optional: cinnamon sugar garlic powder, or parmesan
- Egg wash 1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Easy Instructions for Homemade Pretzel Bites
- Make the Dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.1 ½ Cups Warm Water, 2 ¼ Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast, 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- Add salt, melted butter, and all-purpose flour. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides. Knead for 4–5 minutes, until a smooth dough ball forms.1 Teaspoon Salt, 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Melted Butter, 4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- If mixing by hand, use a large bowl and a wooden spoon, then knead on a clean work surface.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Divide the Dough. Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide into 6–8 equal pieces using a bench scraper or sharp knife.
- Shaping. Roll each piece into a long rope about 18–20 inches. Use a pizza cutter to cut into 1–1 ½ inch pieces. These are your pretzel bites.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Add ½ cup baking soda carefully (it will bubble up!). This baking soda solution is what gives homemade pretzel bites their classic chewy texture and golden brown exterior.½ Cup Baking Soda, 1 Large Pot of Water
- Working in batches, drop the bites into the boiling water for 20–30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess water.
Bake the Pretzel Bites
- Place the boiled bites onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a cookie sheet. Brush with egg wash for shine and color, and sprinkle with your choice of coarse salt, pretzel salt, or flavorings.Coarse salt, Egg wash
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Top with optional ingredients.Optional: cinnamon sugar
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Make Ahead Tip
Hold the Salt. If you won’t be serving your pretzel bites the same day you bake them, it’s best to skip the salt topping before baking. Simply bake the bites as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to enjoy them, place the bites on a baking sheet, lightly brush each one with water, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the salt has adhered. This easy step ensures your homemade soft pretzel bites stay fresh and delicious without becoming soggy or stale.Optional Sweet or Savory Finishes
Once baked, brush with melted butter for that signature flavor. Add a dusting of cinnamon sugar or garlic powder for a sweet version or savory twist.Nutrition
Ingredient Notes and Tips
- You can use store-bought pizza dough, bread dough, or even biscuit dough or frozen dough in a pinch!
- If using frozen dough, allow to thaw at room temperature until pliable before shaping.
- Use an online nutritional calculator to determine calorie count and nutritional values, especially if you want a lighter version.
- For a crunchy crust, skip the baking soda bath and bake directly for a texture closer to regular pretzels.
- Try brushing with soda water and sprinkling with salt if avoiding boiling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade soft pretzel bites warm with your favorite dips:
- Cheese sauce or homemade beer cheese dip
- Spicy mustard, honey mustard dip, or classic yellow mustard
These bites also pair perfectly with soups or salads, or can stand alone as a satisfying easy appetizer.
Storing Leftovers
Let bites cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer or oven for that fresh-baked feel.
To freeze. Place baked or unbaked bites in plastic bags and freeze. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Whether you’re serving these on game day, bringing them to a party, or enjoying them with family, this soft pretzel recipe is one of our popular appetizers.
Delicious party snacking food.