Irresistible Sourdough Pretzel Bites: An Easy Family Recipe

Introduction

My family loves snacking, and these sourdough pretzel bites are a total game-changer! This sourdough pretzel bites recipe creates the perfect blend of chewy, salty, and tangy flavors. They’re a fun twist on classic soft pretzels, made even better with that signature sourdough tang. If you enjoy baking with sourdough, you might also like this easy gluten-free sourdough bread recipe.

My mom always baked with sourdough, and now I’m passing that tradition down to my kids. These pretzel bites are a huge hit, whether for game day, movie night, or just an after-school treat. What’s great is they’re incredibly versatile. Dip them in mustard, cheese sauce, or even enjoy them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.

The best part? The sourdough starter adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get from regular pretzels. I’m excited to share my family’s go-to recipe with you! Get ready to create a batch of perfectly golden, irresistibly delicious sourdough pretzel bites. For another delicious snack, check out these strawberry cheesecake cookies.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup (240g) warm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 1 cup (225g) active sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours before)
• 2 ½ cups (300g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil for a vegan option)

For the Water Bath

• 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (30g) baking soda

The baking soda bath gives pretzel bites their characteristic deep brown color and chewy texture. It’s what makes them pretzels!

For the Topping

• Coarse sea salt, pretzel salt, everything bagel seasoning, or grated parmesan cheese.

Get creative with the toppings! Everything bagel seasoning adds a savory kick, while parmesan cheese creates a cheesy, flavorful crust. Sweet pretzel bites? Try a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar after baking!

Instructions

Making the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sourdough starter. Stir until the starter is mostly dissolved.
2. Add the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size. This is the bulk fermentation.
5. Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 inches long. You can then form traditional pretzel twists, simple knots, or even little pretzel rolls. Get creative!
7. Place the shaped pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. This is called proofing.

Preparing the Water Bath

1. While the pretzel bites are proofing, bring the water to a simmer in a large pot. Don’t let it boil!
2. Add the baking soda and stir until it’s completely dissolved. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Too cold, and it won’t activate the baking soda properly.

Dipping and Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Gently drop each pretzel bite into the simmering baking soda bath for about 30 seconds per side. This step is crucial for that classic pretzel texture.
3. Remove the pretzel bites from the bath with a slotted spoon and place them back on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown. They should be firm to the touch.

Adding the Topping

1. Immediately after removing the pretzel bites from the oven, sprinkle them generously with your chosen topping. The heat helps the salt or seasoning adhere to the pretzel.

Cooling and Serving

1. Let the pretzel bites cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Cooling them on a rack helps them stay crispy. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture. Looking for other sourdough treats? Try these 5-minute cinnamon roll pie crusts. These sourdough pretzel bites are perfect with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard or cheese sauce. For information on the health benefits of whole grains, see this article on whole grains from Healthline.

Tips and Variations

Shaping Pretzel Bites

• Traditional Twist: Roll the dough into a rope, make a U-shape, then cross the ends over each other and press them onto the bottom of the U.
• Knot: Roll the dough into a rope and simply tie a loose knot.
• Roll: Form the dough into small, round balls for a mini pretzel roll shape. My kids love these!

Flavor Variations

• Cheddar Jalapeño: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup chopped jalapeños to the dough before kneading. Use pretzel salt as a topping.
• Garlic Parmesan: Brush the baked pretzel bites with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the baking soda bath. Brush the baked pretzel bites with melted butter and toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. These are a fun, sweet treat! If you’re looking for other fun treats, consider these easy mini muffins.

Troubleshooting

• Sticky Dough: If your dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle.
• Dry Dough: If the dough seems dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it becomes more pliable.
• Soft Pretzel Bites: Make sure your baking soda bath is simmering, not boiling. Ensure the pretzel bites are baked until deep golden brown and firm. Cool them completely on a wire rack. For tips on using baking soda, you can check out this article from Healthline.
• Baking Soda Bath Issues: Use fresh baking soda. If the water isn’t hot enough, the baking soda won’t activate properly. If it’s boiling, it can deactivate the yeast in the dough. Aim for a gentle simmer.

FAQ

What are sourdough pretzel bites?

Sourdough pretzel bites are bite-sized soft pretzels made with sourdough starter. The starter adds a unique tangy flavor and chewy texture that sets them apart from regular pretzels. They’re boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking, which gives them that classic pretzel crust.

How do you make sourdough pretzel bites?

You’ll start by making a sourdough dough, letting it rise, and then shaping it into bite-sized pretzels. A quick dip in a baking soda bath and a bake in the oven creates the perfect chewy texture and deep brown color. Finally, sprinkle with your favorite toppings! For detailed instructions, refer to the recipe above.

Can I use sourdough discard for pretzel bites?

Yes, you can use sourdough discard! You may need to reduce the amount of water in the recipe slightly, as discard tends to be wetter than active starter. The rise time might be a little longer. The pretzel bites will still be delicious, though they might have a slightly less pronounced sourdough tang.

What can I serve with sourdough pretzel bites?

The possibilities are endless! Classic pairings include mustard (spicy brown or Dijon), cheese sauce, and beer cheese dip. Honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy option. For a sweet treat, try dipping them in chocolate sauce. They also make a great side for soups and salads!

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

Sourdough pretzel bites are incredibly versatile. Beyond the classic dipping sauces, try serving them alongside a creamy tomato soup or a hearty chili for a comforting meal. They also pair well with fresh garden salads, adding a satisfying crunch. For a party, create a snack board featuring pretzel bites, various cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Storage Advice

Store leftover sourdough pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps restore their crisp exterior. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick warm-up, though they may lose some of their crispness.

Conclusion

So there you have it – my family’s favorite sourdough pretzel bites recipe! I hope you and your family enjoy these as much as we do. They’re truly a special treat, and the sourdough adds a delicious depth of flavor. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear about your pretzel bite adventures and any creative topping combinations you come up with. Happy baking!

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