These buttery soft pretzel bites are a delicious go-to treat. Warm from the oven, with a soft, chewy texture and a crisp golden crust. On the homestead, there’s something extra satisfying about making your own snacks from scratch.
Whether you serve them with spicy mustard, a creamy cheese sauce, or even a little cinnamon sugar, they’re a comforting snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
This is a great recipe for using basic pantry ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water and a little time. And the best part? These bites are easy to make ahead and freeze, so you can enjoy homemade soft pretzel bites anytime.
Homemade Soft Pretzel Dough
You only need a handful of ingredients. Many of which you likely already have on hand. This is a great recipe to try with the kids or whip up on a quiet afternoon.
Buttery Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe: Easy Snack Perfection
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Equipment
Ingredients
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 Butter Melted
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
How to Make Buttery Pretzel Bites at Home
- Mix the Dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl), stir together the warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
- Add the salt, melted butter, and flour. Mix with the dough hook attachment on low speed until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth.
- No mixer? Use a wooden spoon and your hands. It takes a little more elbow grease, but it works just as well on the homestead. Just mix and knead by hand.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled in size. About 1 hour.
- Shape the Dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured clean work surface. Use a bench scraper or sharp knife to cut it into 6–8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18–20 inches), then cut into 1 to 1½-inch pieces using a pizza cutter. These bite-sized pieces will puff up in the oven and become the perfect hand-held snack.
Baking Soda Bath for a Chewy Crust
- Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully stir in the baking soda. It may bubble up, so go slow!
- Working in batches, gently drop each piece of dough into the water for about 20–30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites, then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess water.
- This step helps create the signature chewy texture and golden brown crust of homemade pretzels.
Bake Until Golden Brown
- Transfer the bites to prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a greased cookie sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with your topping of choice: pretzel salt, coarse sea salt, or something more adventurous.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 12–15 minutes, or until beautifully golden brown.
Notes
Optional Finishes for the Homestead Kitchen
While the bites are still warm, brush them with a little melted butter for that rich, comforting flavor.You can also make:
• A sweet version with a cinnamon sugar topping
• A savory variation with garlic powder and shredded parmesan
• Or dip them in homemade beer cheese, spicy mustard, or a creamy honey mustard dip
Make-Ahead Tip for Busy Days
If you won’t be serving the pretzel bites the same day, skip the salt topping before baking. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.When you’re ready to enjoy them, brush lightly with water, sprinkle with salt, and reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This keeps them fresh without becoming soggy.
Nutrition
Storing & Freezing Tips
Let pretzel bites cool completely before storing in plastic bags or an airtight container. They’ll keep for 2–3 days at room temperature.
To freeze: Place cooled bites in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for best results.
Ingredient Swaps & Tips
- No time to make dough? You can use store-bought pizza dough, bread dough, or even frozen dough or biscuit dough in a pinch.
- Skip the baking soda bath and bake directly for a texture similar to regular pretzels.
- Short on time? Try brushing the tops with soda water and salting before baking—less chew but still tasty.
- For a lighter version, plug the ingredients into an online nutritional calculator to estimate calorie count and nutritional values.
Serving Ideas from the Homestead Table
These easy appetizer bites go well with soups, stews, or as part of a snack tray with fresh produce and homemade dips.
They’re also perfect for:
- Game day gatherings
- Lunchboxes
- After-school snacks
- Or a special treat on a cold day by the fire
Homemade Pretzel Bites
If you’ve never made homemade pretzels before, this is a great place to start. These buttery soft pretzel bites are fun to shape, easy to bake, and even easier to eat. Next time, double the batch and keep some in the freezer. You’ll be glad you did!
great recipe for hosting a party or just snacking