Pretzel Bites
Soft, Chewy & Irresistibly Snackable
Pretzel bites are everything we love about classic soft pretzels, just in perfectly poppable form. With their golden-brown exterior, chewy inside, and salty finish, these bite-sized treats are ideal for dipping, sharing, and snacking. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning game night, or craving something warm and comforting, pretzel bites never disappoint.
Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft and chewy texture
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Perfectly golden crust
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Great for dipping
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Freezer-friendly
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Crowd-pleasing snack
Ingredients (Makes about 40 bites)
Dough
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1½ cups warm water (about 40°C / 105°F)
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2¼ tsp instant yeast
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp melted butter
Baking Soda Bath
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10 cups water
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⅔ cup baking soda
Topping
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Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
Optional
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Melted butter for brushing after baking
How to Make Pretzel Bites
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add salt, flour, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Bites
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Divide dough into 6 equal pieces.
Roll each into a long rope and cut into 2–3 cm (1-inch) pieces.
3. Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
Carefully add baking soda (it will bubble).
Drop pretzel bites into the water, a few at a time, for 20–30 seconds.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
4. Salt and Bake
Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
Brush with melted butter if desired.
Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bites
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Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it creates the signature crust
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Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
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Boil briefly, not too long
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Sprinkle salt while dough is still wet
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Serve warm for best texture
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Pretzel bites are amazing with:
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Cheese sauce
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Honey mustard
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Garlic butter
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Ranch dressing
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Beer cheese dip
Flavor Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
Skip salt, brush with butter, and toss in cinnamon sugar after baking.
Cheesy Pretzel Bites
Sprinkle grated cheese before baking or serve with cheese dip.
Garlic Parmesan
Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan after baking.
Storage & Freezing
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Store at room temperature for 1 day
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Refrigerate up to 3 days
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Freeze baked bites for up to 2 months
Reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
The baking soda bath raises the pH of the dough, giving pretzel bites their classic chewy texture and deep color. High-temperature baking finishes them quickly, keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
Homemade pretzel bites are the ultimate comfort snack—simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Once you try them fresh from the oven, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions.