Description
These Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack featuring a chewy interior and a golden, slightly crispy exterior. Made from simple ingredients like yeast, flour, and baking soda, they are boiled briefly before baking to achieve the perfect texture. Ideal for sharing, they come out golden brown, topped with coarse salt and an egg wash for that classic pretzel finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Boiling
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For Topping
- 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. Add the flour and salt, then mix until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Boil Water and Baking Soda: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This solution is key for achieving the pretzels’ characteristic chewy crust.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12-15 inches long, then cut each rope into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Carefully drop about 10-15 pretzel bites at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Boil them for approximately 30 seconds, which helps form the pretzel crust. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Add Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the egg yolk and water mixture to give them a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle coarse salt over the top evenly for that classic pretzel flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up, showcasing a perfect balance of soft and crispy textures.
- Serve: Allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly before serving. They are excellent on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard or cheese dip.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature for activating yeast is around 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water is essential for achieving the traditional pretzel crust.
- Use coarse salt generously for authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
- These pretzel bites are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
