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Homemade Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites

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These soft pretzel bites are coated in everything bagel seasoning for a savory, crunchy, and chewy snack. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients and a quick baking soda bath for that authentic pretzel texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups water
  • ⅔ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 3–4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Proof the Yeast (5 minutes): In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the Dough (5 minutes): To the foamy yeast mixture, add the melted butter, salt, and 2 ½ cups of the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Add the remaining ½ cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead the Dough (8-10 minutes): Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed for 5-6 minutes.
  4. First Rise (1 hour): Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat and Prep (10 minutes): About 15 minutes before the dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda (it will fizz), stir, and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Shape the Bites (5 minutes): Punch down the risen dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces (about 20-24 bites per rope).
  7. The Baking Soda Bath (2 minutes per batch): Working in batches of 8-10 bites, gently drop them into the simmering baking soda water. Boil for 30-45 seconds, flipping halfway. Remove with a slotted spoon, letting excess water drip off, and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
  8. Egg Wash and Seasoning (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash. Immediately sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
  9. Bake (12-15 minutes): Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until deep golden brown.
  10. Cool and Serve (5 minutes): Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the boiling step—it’s essential for the authentic pretzel texture. For a softer crust, boil for 20-30 seconds; for a chewier crust, boil up to 1 minute. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel bites, everything bagel, homemade pretzels, easy snack, game day food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/homemade-everything-bagel-soft-pretzel-bites-easy-recipe/