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Homemade Pretzel Bites

These pretzel bites are a nostalgic treat with a rustic twist—crispy on the outside, chewy and soft inside. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and baking soda, they develop a crackly crust and a salty, slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for sharing. The process involves boiling, shaping, and baking to achieve their signature texture and appearance.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast fresh and active
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water about 38°C (100°F)
  • 4 cups bread flour can substitute half with whole wheat
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda for boiling water
  • 1 egg egg for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon water to beat with the egg for egg wash

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Silicone spatula
  • Pot for boiling
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, a teaspoon of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes, which indicates the yeast is active.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and coarse sea salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Knead the mixture with a silicone spatula or your hands until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky, about 8 minutes. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size and feels puffy to the touch.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. This creates the alkaline bath that gives pretzels their distinctive crust.
  6. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into small, equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then gently shape each into a pretzel bite by pinching and shaping into a small, chewy knot or ball.
  7. Carefully drop a few pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. They will puff slightly and develop a shiny, crackly crust. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain them.
  8. Arrange the boiled pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make the egg wash, then brush this over each pretzel bite to give them a shiny finish.
  9. Sprinkle the pretzel bites generously with coarse sea salt for that salty crunch and authentic flavor.
  10. Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a crackly crust. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the chewy, crispy goodness!

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika or sesame seeds before baking. These pretzel bites are best enjoyed warm when they’re at their chewiest and crustiest.