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Crispy Soft and Chewy Pretzel Bites

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These pretzel bites are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, perfect for snacks, parties, and family gatherings. Made with simple ingredients and a baking soda bath for authentic flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups (2.4 L) water (for baking soda bath)
  • 2/3 cup (160 g) baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
  • Optional: melted butter for brushing after baking

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a medium bowl, combine warm water (1 ½ cups, 110°F / 43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour (4 cups / 480 g) and salt (1 teaspoon). Add melted butter (2 tablespoons) and the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups (2.4 L) water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a rolling boil.
  6. Shape pretzel bites: Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a long rope about 1-inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Baking soda bath dip: Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop 6-8 pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove and drain on a clean kitchen towel.
  8. Arrange bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  9. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  10. Optional: Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool slightly on a rack, then serve warm.

Notes

Keep an eye on the baking soda bath temperature to ensure proper crust formation. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow bites to crisp properly. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. For dairy-free, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Optional brushing with melted butter after baking adds shine and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, homemade snack, crispy pretzels, chewy pretzels, baking soda bath, easy pretzel recipe, party snacks

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-soft-and-chewy-pretzel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-guide/