Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for the dough)
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour and kosher salt, then knead with a dough hook or by hand for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, divide it into four equal pieces, and roll each piece into a 1-inch thick rope. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the ropes into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Prepare the baking soda bath by bringing 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a wide pot. Slowly and carefully whisk in the 1/2 cup of baking soda. Working in small batches (about 10-15 bites at a time), drop the pretzel bites into the boiling solution for 20-30 seconds, flipping them halfway through.
- Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pretzel bites and let the excess water drain before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Place the trays in the oven and bake for 10-14 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown.
- Step 5: Immediately upon removing the bites from the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter. Sprinkle them heavily with coarse pretzel salt while the butter is still wet. Serve warm with your favorite Super Bowl dips (mustard, cheese sauce, or spicy ranch).
Notes
- For maximum freshness, store cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, avoiding refrigeration which causes them to dry out.
- To restore the perfect crust and warmth, quickly reheat the bites in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
- Elevate your game day spread by arranging the pretzel bites around a trio of dipping options, such as non-alcoholic beer cheese, tangy honey mustard, and spicy smoked paprika ranch.
- Remember that slowly adding the baking soda to the boiling water is critical; this high-pH bath creates the signature chewy pretzel flavor and deep golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American