Get ready to fall in love with Pretzel Bites! These irresistibly soft pillows of golden dough are not only a joy to bake but make the ultimate snack or appetizer for game nights and happy gatherings. With their signature chewy exterior (thanks to a magical baking soda bath) and a tender, yeasty center, they’re even more delightful when dunked in homemade honey mustard. Once you make your own Pretzel Bites, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Pretzel Bites so special? It’s all in these simple, no-fuss ingredients. Each element plays its own crucial part, creating that iconic flavor, texture, and color we crave in every bite.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, lending structure and softness; measure carefully for pillowy treats.
Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and round out the flavor.
Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise quickly and reliably, so you’re never waiting too long for your tasty reward.
Salt: Brings balance and enhances every other flavor (and don’t forget a sprinkle on top!).
Warm milk (or water): The liquid that brings it all together, giving the dough its rich, slightly sweet taste.
Melted butter: For unbeatable tenderness and a subtle richness throughout the dough.
Water: Needed for the classic baking soda bath that gives Pretzel Bites their iconic chewy crust.
Baking soda: This is the magic that deepens color and creates that one-of-a-kind pretzel texture.
Egg wash (1 egg + water): Makes the bites beautifully shiny and helps the salt stick.

How to Make Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the flour, sugar, instant yeast, warm milk (or water), melted butter, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes until you get a smooth, slightly tacky dough. If it seems too sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s just right. You’ll know it’s ready when it pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl but still feels soft.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm and draft-free. After about 30 to 60 minutes, it will have doubled in size. This rest gives your Pretzel Bites their comforting, airy texture—don’t skip it!

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to a piping-hot 450°F to guarantee an irresistibly golden finish. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Meanwhile, bring 9 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot—this is the secret step for that chewy, deeply colored crust we adore on Pretzel Bites.

Step 4: Shape and Cut

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, ¾-inch thick rope. With a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut each rope into 1- to 2-inch bites—it’s okay if they’re a little irregular, that’s part of the homemade charm!

Step 5: The Baking Soda Bath

This is where the magic happens! Carefully drop your shaped bites into the bubbling water, working with a few at a time for just 30 seconds—enough to set the crust. They’ll puff up a bit and take on a slightly tacky surface; use a slotted spoon to transfer them to your prepared baking sheets, keeping a little space between each piece.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash, then sprinkle generously with coarse salt for that classic finish. Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until your Pretzel Bites are gloriously golden. They’re best enjoyed warm, especially with a side of homemade honey mustard sauce!

How to Serve Pretzel Bites

Garnishes

A classic shower of flaky sea salt is all you really need, but Pretzel Bites love extra flair. Try a dusting of everything bagel seasoning, fresh minced herbs, or even a drizzle of melted cheese once they come out of the oven. These little details are how you make each batch your own.

Side Dishes

Pretzel Bites pair beautifully with an array of dips—think spicy Dijon, creamy cheese sauce, or the zingy homemade honey mustard mentioned above. You can also round out a snack platter with crunchy pickles, apple slices, or a selection of cured meats and cheeses for an instant party board.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Pretzel Bites in a lined basket for a cozy, pub-inspired look, or thread them onto skewers for an appetizer that’s easy to share. For gatherings, arrange them around a bowl of dip like edible flower petals, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board for maximum wow-factor. However you plate them, Pretzel Bites are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Pretzel Bites in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. Their texture will remain soft and satisfying, though the exterior might lose a bit of that initial chew—which just means it’s time for a quick refresh!

Freezing

Pretzel Bites are fantastic make-ahead snacks. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring frozen or day-old Pretzel Bites back to life, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. A quick mist with water before baking will help restore some chew to the crust, making them as irresistible as when they were first baked.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just proof the active dry yeast in the warmed milk (or water) with the sugar for 5 to 10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients. Your Pretzel Bites will still rise beautifully.

Do I have to use an egg wash?

The egg wash helps give the Pretzel Bites their shiny, golden crust and helps the salt stick. If you need an egg-free version, you can brush them with a little melted butter or even plain milk, though the sheen will be milder.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No mixer? No problem! You can easily mix the dough by hand. Just stir the ingredients together in a large bowl, then knead for 7 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a bit of a workout, but very satisfying!

Why do I need to boil the bites in baking soda water?

This step is what transforms simple dough into true Pretzel Bites! The alkaline bath creates the classic chewy crust, deepens the color, and gives you that characteristic pretzel flavor you’ll miss if you skip it.

Can I make Pretzel Bites gluten-free?

You can try substituting your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, although the texture will be a bit different. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a knockout appetizer or just want to treat yourself, these Pretzel Bites are an absolute must-try. There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of fresh-baked pretzels wafting through your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if they disappear the minute you set them out—this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time!

Pretzel Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

These pretzel bites are pillowy soft and easy to make. A quick boil in baking soda water gives them their signature chewy skin! Paired with a delicious homemade honey mustard sauce, they make a perfect snack or appetizer.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 people
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking, Boiling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Dough:

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled; plus more if needed)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups warm milk (or water; around 110°F)
2 tablespoons melted butter

Boiling Mixture:

9 cups water
½ cup baking soda

Egg Wash:

1 large egg (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and salt. Mix with a dough hook on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour.
Rise the Dough: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
Boil the Pretzel Bites: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each into a ¾-inch rope and cut into 1-2 inch bites. Drop the bites into boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each one.
Bake and Serve: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Serve with honey mustard!