Pretzel Bites Recipe

Activate yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C), granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy and fragrant.

Mix dough

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix on low until combined, then increase speed and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 8–10 minutes.

First rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free area for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.

Prepare baking soda bath

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil the paper. In a large, deep saucepan, bring 10 cups water to a rolling simmer. Carefully add 3/4 cup baking soda (it will bubble). Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Shape pretzel bites

Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch down. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Cut each rope into 12 pieces (about 1 inch each) to make roughly 96 bites total (depending on exact sizing).

Boil bites

Working in batches (do not crowd the pot), drop pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds, stirring gently with a slotted spoon so they don’t stick. Remove with the slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.

Egg wash and salt

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon cold water to make an egg wash. Brush each pretzel bite lightly with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.

Bake

Bake in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until the bites are deep golden brown.

Finish

If desired, immediately brush baked pretzel bites with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes before serving.