Easy Homemade Pretzel Bites Recipe with Yeast
Soft, golden homemade pretzel bites made with instant yeast, one rise, and a quick baking soda bath.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine-mesh skimmer or slotted spoon
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 500 g
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 12 g
- 1 teaspoon fine salt 6 g
- 1 packet instant yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons / 7 g
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 300 ml; about 105-110°F / 40-43°C
- 2 tablespoons melted butter 28 g
Baking Soda Bath and Topping
- 6 ⅓ cups water 1.5 liters
- 3 tablespoons baking soda about 45 g
- coarse salt as needed
- sesame seeds optional
- melted butter optional, for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm water (about 105-110°F / 40-43°C) and melted butter.
- Knead for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and soft.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide into 6 to 8 portions, roll each portion into a thick rope, and cut into short bite-sized pieces.
- Bring 6 1/3 cups (1.5 liters) water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the baking soda; it may foam briefly.
- Add the pretzel pieces to the baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds. Lift them out with a fine-mesh skimmer or slotted spoon and drain briefly.
- Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seeds.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, until deep golden brown. Brush the warm bites with melted butter, if desired, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Let the dough double in size; the one-hour rise is a guide, not a deadline.
- Keep the baking soda bath brief, about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Bake for the shorter time for softer bites or a little longer for more chew.
- For cinnamon sugar bites, skip the salt, brush the warm bites with butter, and coat with cinnamon sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 0.001mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
