Friday, March 20, 2020

Soft Pretzel Bites

These little pretzel bites are the perfect appetizer - dunk in queso, mustard, or caramel sauce!


I have made a few different kinds of homemade pretzels - mostly buns or bowls. The trick really boils down to the baking soda and water bath that the dough should take. I really really want to make my pizza crust into pretzel crust soon. I think it'll be insanely good. These pretzel bites were treats I made for NYE 2018. I made half with just salt and half with cinnamon sugar. Both were fantastic and I couldn't pick a favorite. They are really good dunked in queso, mustard, and caramel sauce. I'm sure there are plenty more dips that would pair with the salty or sweet in the most wonderful way.


(Print)
What you need:
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil
  • 3 quarts water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • 1 whole egg, beaten with 1 Tbsp. cold water
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon 
  • Coarse kosher salt
Directions:
  1. In a stand mixer, combine water, sugar, yeast, and butter with a dough hook and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Add salt and flour. Mix on low speed until combined. Then increase to medium and continue kneading with dough hook for 3 to 4 minutes. If needed, add 1 Tbsp. more flour at a time until it no longer appears wet. You'll want the dough to be smooth and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Remove to a lightly floured surface and knead into a ball.
  4. Coat a bowl with vegetable oil and add dough. Turn to coat with oil. Cover with a clean towel and place in a warm spot until doubled in size for about 1 hour.
  5. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add baking soda.
  6. Divide dough into 8 pieces and roll out into a 22-inch long rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. 
  7. Boil pretzels in batches for about 30 seconds at a time. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a greased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake bites in a preheated 425 degree oven for 8 minutes.
  9. Mix together sugar and cinnamon.
  10. Remove from oven, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or with salt - I did half sweet, half salty.
  11. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Recipe from Kevin & Amanda


If you're game for more salty appetizers, these Bacon Crackers are amazing. They are super easy to make and so addictive! Pretzel bites are great but if you want to try and take a stab at making the classic pretzel twist shape, these Soft Buttery Pretzels from Gimme Some Oven are a good place to start.

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