Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

Warm water: Used to activate the yeast and form the dough.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a light, airy texture.

Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.

All-purpose flour: The main structure of the dough.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pretzel bites.

Baking soda: Added to the boiling water to give the pretzels their distinctive texture and color.

Beaten egg: Brushed on top to give a shiny, golden finish.

Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that classic pretzel taste.

When working with yeast, ensure your water is at the right temperature, ideally between 105°F and 110°F. Too hot, and you risk killing the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly. This will help your dough rise effectively, resulting in light and fluffy pretzel bites.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the pretzel dough.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and does not need to be dissolved in water first.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a subtle sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile to the dough.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content which can give the pretzels a chewier texture.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used in a pinch, but it may not give the same texture as baking soda in the boiling step.

• beaten egg - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used as a wash to give the pretzels a golden brown color, though it won't provide the same shine as an egg wash.

• coarse sea salt - Substitute with pretzel salt: Pretzel salt is specifically designed for pretzels and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• Allow the pretzel bites to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Store the pretzel bites in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out.

• For short-term storage, keep the pretzel bites at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to enjoy them within this timeframe, there's no need to refrigerate.

• For longer storage, place the pretzel bites in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when stored this way. Just be sure to reheat them before serving to restore their soft texture.

• To freeze the pretzel bites, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This initial freezing step prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the pretzel bites are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pretzel bites, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen bites on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until they're heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• For an extra burst of flavor, brush the reheated pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with additional coarse sea salt before serving. This step enhances their deliciousness and gives them a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly brush the pretzel bites with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to help them regain their softness.
  4. Cover the pretzel bites loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  5. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the pretzel bites on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check to see if they are warm enough; if not, continue to microwave in 10-second intervals until heated through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the pretzel bites in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are warmed through and have a slight crisp on the outside.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Lightly spray the pretzel bites with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
  3. Place the pretzel bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pretzel bites on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Lightly brush with olive oil or melted butter.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Large bowl: Used to combine warm water, yeast, and sugar, and later to mix the dough.

• Measuring cups: Essential for measuring the warm water and flour accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the yeast, sugar, salt, and baking soda.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the dough until it forms.

• Floured surface: A surface dusted with flour to knead the dough without it sticking.

• Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise without sticking to the sides.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.

• Oven: Preheated to 450°F (230°C) for baking the pretzel bites.

• Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the pretzel bites from sticking.

• Large pot: To boil water and baking soda for the pretzel bites.

• Slotted spoon: For removing the pretzel bites from the boiling water.

• Baking sheet: To place the pretzel bites on for baking.

• Pastry brush: For brushing the beaten egg onto the pretzel bites.

• Cooling rack: To cool the pretzel bites after baking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This reduces prep time and ensures a smooth cooking process.

Use a stand mixer: Instead of kneading by hand, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough quickly and efficiently.

Boil in batches: Boil the pretzel bites in batches to save time and ensure even cooking.

Preheat oven early: Preheat your oven while the dough is rising to save time later.

Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.