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Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites

Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites

  • Author: Kevin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pretzels or about 48 pretzel bites 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Warm, soft, and buttery soft pretzels and pretzel bites with a golden crust and tender inside. Perfect for snacking or sharing, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and features a baking soda bath for the classic pretzel crust and color. Easily customizable with variations like cheese-stuffed, herb infused, sweet cinnamon sugar, or garlic and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tbsp natural sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp melted buttery (plant-based)

Baking Soda Bath

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda (natural)

Toppings

  • Additional melted buttery (plant-based) (natural) for brushing
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Variation Optional Ingredients

  • Plant-based cheese (plant-based) for stuffing
  • Dried rosemary or thyme
  • Cinnamon sugar (natural) for coating
  • Garlic butter (plant-based) (natural) for brushing
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Gluten-free flour blend (for gluten-free variation, adjust liquids accordingly)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the water until just comfortable to the touch, then stir in the natural sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy indicating the yeast is active. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the melted buttery (plant-based) and yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size, developing flavor and a soft texture.
  3. Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the dough gently, then divide into equal portions. Roll each into long ropes about 20 inches long. Shape traditional pretzels by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends, and pressing them onto the bottom curve. For pretzel bites, cut the ropes into small bite-sized pieces.
  4. Baking Soda Bath: Bring the water and baking soda (natural) to a gentle boil in a large pot. Carefully place each pretzel or pretzel bite into the bath for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step creates the signature pretzel crust and color.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake: Brush each pretzel with melted buttery (plant-based) (natural) and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffy. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm water (not hot) to effectively activate yeast without killing it.
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath for the classic pretzel crust and deep color.
  • Keep dough covered during rises to retain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Brushing with melted buttery (plant-based) (natural) after baking adds shine and enhances flavor.
  • Coarse sea salt adds texture and bursts of salty flavor contrasting the soft pretzel.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: soft pretzels, pretzel bites, buttery pretzels, plant-based snacks, baking soda bath pretzels, homemade pretzels, appetizer, snack

Find it online: https://yumwayrecipes.com/buttery-soft-pretzels-and-pretzel-bites/