Sourdough Pretzel Bites

Here’s a delicious recipe for Sourdough Pretzel Bites that are soft, chewy, and perfect for snacking! These mini pretzels have a lovely tang from the sourdough starter, and the baking soda bath gives them that classic pretzel crust. This recipe makes for a fun and easy appetizer or snack. Let’s dive right into it!

Sourdough Pretzel Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)

• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur)

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, but helps with rising)

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 4 cups water

For Topping:

• Pretzel sea salt (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and melted butter. Stir to combine.

2. Add the salt and flour to the bowl and mix until the dough begins to come together. If you’re using instant yeast, add it at this point to help speed up the rise.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you're using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5-6 minutes.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Shape the Pretzel Bites:

1. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release any air bubbles.

2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a long rope, about 18-24 inches long.

3. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces to make bite-sized pretzels.

4. Place the pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and set aside while you prepare the baking soda bath.

3. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda and stir to dissolve. Be careful as the water may bubble up when the baking soda is added.

2. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and carefully drop the pretzel bites, a few at a time, into the baking soda water. Boil for about 30 seconds per side, then remove them with a slotted spoon and return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake the Pretzel Bites:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Once all the pretzel bites have been boiled and placed on the baking sheet, sprinkle them with pretzel sea salt.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

5. Serve: Once the pretzel bites are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them as they are or serve them with mustard, cheese dip, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Pretzel Bites:

• Sourdough Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If it’s not, your pretzel bites may not rise as well. Feed your starter 4-6 hours before baking for the best results.

• Optional Yeast: If you're short on time and want a quicker rise, adding instant yeast to the dough helps speed up the process. However, if you have more time, you can rely on the natural fermentation of the sourdough starter for a more pronounced flavor.

• Baking Soda Bath: The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their characteristic dark, chewy crust. Don't skip this step, as it helps develop the perfect texture.

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative with your pretzel bites! You can brush them with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a different twist, or even add some herbs to the dough for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

These Sourdough Pretzel Bites are a fun, easy-to-make snack that combines the tang of sourdough with the classic, chewy texture of a pretzel. Perfect for parties, family movie nights, or just an afternoon snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, making them at home means you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade sourdough pretzel bites!