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–+ servings

Easy Homemade Pretzel Bites Recipe with Yeast

Golden homemade pretzel bites with coarse salt beside warm cheese dip.
Soft, golden homemade pretzel bites made with instant yeast, one rise, and a quick baking soda bath.
Marina Sestan
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Serving Size 40 pretzels

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • 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.
    Flour, instant yeast, butter, and water being mixed into pretzel dough.
  • Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
    Pretzel dough risen until puffy in a large bowl.
  • 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.
    Pretzel dough rope being cut into bite-sized pieces on a wooden board.
  • 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.
    Coarse salt being sprinkled over pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • 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.

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.
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