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Monster Pretzel Bites

These playful pretzel bites are made by boiling small dough balls in baking soda water, then baking them until golden and chewy with a shiny crust. The recipe features a simple yeast dough that puffs up during baking, resulting in soft, slightly chewy bites with a crisp exterior and salty topping. Perfect for snacking, they evoke nostalgic comfort with every warm, salty bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet Active dry yeast about 2 ¼ teaspoons
  • 1 cup Warm water around 40°C (105°F)
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar feeds the yeast
  • 3 cups All-purpose flour for the dough
  • 1 teaspoon Salt for flavor
  • 2 quarts Water for boiling
  • 1/4 cup Baking soda for alkalinity in boiling water
  • 1 egg Egg beaten, for egg wash
  • Coarse salt to taste Salt flakes for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy and bubbly—that’s how you know the yeast is active and alive.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon or dough hook until the dough starts to come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  3. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into small, bite-sized pieces. Roll each piece into tight balls, about ¾ inch in diameter.
  6. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Carefully stir in the baking soda—this will cause bubbling and foaming.
  7. Drop a few pretzel bites into the boiling water at a time. Boil for about 30 seconds until they float and look slightly puffed—this helps develop that chewy pretzel texture.
  8. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pretzel bites from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all are boiled.
  9. Brush each pretzel bite generously with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle with coarse salt to taste.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are deep golden brown and puffed up. The aroma of baking will fill your kitchen!
  11. Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy their chewy, salty goodness!

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle with garlic powder or cheese before baking. These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day and reheated briefly in the oven.