Pretzel Bites

Whether you need an appetizer, tailgating food, or just a nice snack, these pretzel bites will fit the bill. They are soft and chewy and can be eaten alone or with your favorite dip.  Tonight they didn't last long enough to need a dip ;-)

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups lukewarm water
1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoon)
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon packed light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
3 ¾- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
Sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:
In bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl), dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir with a spoon until fairly mixed, about 1 minute. Add salt, sugar, and melted butter and stir until combined. Using stand mixer with dough hook attached (or by hand), slowly add 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough is thick. Add 3/4 - 1 cup more flour until the dough is no longer sticky.

Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead dough for about 3 minutes and shape into a ball. Place dough ball in a large mixing bowl that has been lightly coated with nonstick spray, cover, and let rest in a warm area for about an hour.

Preheat oven to 425°F.  Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

Divide dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a 20" long rope. Cut the rope into 1"-1 ½" pieces.

Bring 8 cups of water with the baking soda to a rolling boil. Drop 8-10 pretzel bites into water and let soak for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto the prepared baking sheets.

Space out bites and brush egg over each pretzel bite and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and brush with melted butter if desired.  Store pretzel bites in an airtight container.