Make Mall-Quality Soft Pretzel Bites Right at Home!

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while bread flour can be cheaper and still yield good texture.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option, while margarine can be less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is a healthier alternative for flavor, while processed cheese can be more economical.

mustard

🥗Healthier: honey mustard

💰Cheaper: ketchup

Honey mustard adds flavor without extra calories, while ketchup is often cheaper.

In a large mixing bowl, add about 2 cups of bread flour.

Add 3 tablespoons of firmly packed light brown sugar, 2 to 4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of table salt.

Mix the dry ingredients together.

Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of hot water at 115°F.

Stir everything together using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon.

Assess the dough consistency and add more flour as needed until the dough is slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and cohesive.

Drizzle olive oil in a large clean bowl and coat the sides and bottom with a paper towel.

Place the dough in the bowl, cover tightly, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 to 60 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Turn the risen dough out onto a clean surface, lightly flouring as needed.

Divide the dough into 5 pieces and roll each piece into a 12-inch long rope.

Cut each rope into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

Transfer the pieces to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.

In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda, stirring to distribute.

Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds, flipping if necessary, then remove and let drain.

Brush the boiled pretzel bites with an egg wash made from 1 large egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water.

Sprinkle the pretzel bites with coarse salt or pretzel salt before baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes, watching for a deep golden brown color.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens