Skip the freezer aisle and whip up a warm batch of Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with a tried-and-tested recipe that yields perfectly chewy, pillowy soft nuggets.
This right here is the Soft Pretzel Bites recipe of all soft pretzel bite recipes. It is the king. The master. The OG. The champion. You get the idea. If you want perfect homemade pretzel nuggets, then I am so glad you have found your way here!
Now before you read the word “yeast” in this recipe and go running for the hills (or perhaps your local grocery store’s freezer aisle), allow me to calm any fears or previous frustrations when it comes to this sometimes tricky ingredient.
This recipe is fool-proof. I repeat: Anyone and everyone can make soft pretzel bites. There is no fancy twisting. There is no hard-to-pronounce chemical bath to get that glossy brown exterior. There is no kneading by hand.
There are just some good ol’ pantry items and a few simple tricks to whipping up the easiest homemade soft pretzel bites to ever hit your lips. Your biggest dilemma, in fact, will be whether you dunk these bites in mustard or cheese sauce. And that is one predicament I’d be happy to find myself in.
Why Do You Boil Soft Pretzels in Baking Soda?
I am so glad you asked! You may be tempted to skip this step, but truth be told, a soft pretzel isn’t a soft pretzel without it.
The baking soda takes the place of lye, a very strong alkali that commercial pretzels (as in, manufactured in a factory or fancy bakery) are dunked in. I prefer to steer clear of having to sport gloves and/or goggles with home baking, and luckily, baking soda is a much milder and more readily found alternative that still does the job of delivering that deep-golden color and characteristic chewiness.
Can You Freeze Pretzel Bites?
Yes indeed you can! That is, if you have any leftover. The best way to send these nuggets into a deep-chill is to bake them sans salt, let them cool completely, and then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer. Once the nuggets are frozen solid, you can then transfer them to a sealable plastic bag and stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Pretzels
Line up your frozen (previously baked) nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into a 300°F oven until they’re warmed through, 12 to 15 minutes.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Soft Pretzels
For all of those on Team Sweet, I’ve got just the soft pretzel coating for you. Skip the salt and instead, bathe these golden brown beauties in a bowl of melted butter after they come out of the oven and then toss them in a sealable bag of cinnamon-sugar. You are welcome!
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm (110-115°F) water
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for topping
- 1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the water, sugar and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the flour and butter to the bowl and mix on low until the ingredients are combined.
- Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough until it is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, about 3 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the bowl. Clean the bowl, grease it with vegetable oil and return the dough to the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, dark place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and position the oven racks in the middle two positions in your oven.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper then lightly oil the paper.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot, stir together the 10 cups of water and the baking soda then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Turn the dough onto your work surface and divide it into 6 pieces. (Do not flour your work surface.)
- Roll each piece into a rope roughly 1-inch in diameter then cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- In batches, add the bites to the boiling baking soda mixture for 30 seconds then use a slotted spoon to remove them onto the oiled baking sheets.
- Brush the bites with the egg wash and sprinkle them with kosher salt.
- Bake the bites until golden brown in color, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans (between racks and turning to rotate pans) halfway through.
- Remove the soft pretzel bites from the oven and serve.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe adapted from Alton Brown.
This is a fantastic recipe and a fan favorite in our circle. I serve it with a warn beer cheese sauce. Thank you!
Thrilled you enjoyed it!
Very Very Good , almost ate all by my self I will make again for sure!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Verona!
I love pretzel bites with beer cheese. This is the best recipe I’ve found. Will definitely make again. Thanks!!!
So glad you enjoyed it!
I made these yummy treats today . The little bites came out of the oven looking very similar to the ones pictured above. Every one loved them. I served with a variety of mustards and marinara sauce. Very good recipe. Thank you for sharing. P.S. none left to freeze and very easy to make.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, John!
So I made these tonight followed the recipe exactly , when mixing the dough was sticking to the mixer bowl really bad so I added another 1/2 cup of flour total of 5 cups which didn’t help much even after mixing for about 5 minutes, transferred everything to a separate greased bowl to let rise which it did but stuck to that bowl, couldn’t roll anything out stuck to everything ended up just breaking small bits off but had to keep wetting my hands so it wouldn’t stick, any idea what I did wrong , tasted amazing though
Hi Ken – The dough should not be that sticky. Did you use the exact amount of liquid specified in the recipe?
Made these bites today. They were yummy but, had a few issues. Made exactly to the recipe and dough was sticky the entire process. Also dough stuck so bad to parchment that we lost half of the bites. Any advice to prevent this in the future?
Hi Candice – Are you in a particularly humid environment?
Can this be made by hand? Active yeast or instant best?
Absolutely, Christina! Use the exact same ingredients listed, so active dry yeast.
Has anyone added jalapeños or anything extra? Thank you!
You absolutely could, Kayla!
This is my go to party appetizer! It always gets rave reviews. I do have to make sure I don’t boil them for more than 30 seconds. It does seem to get a little hectic when I’m trying to roll , slice and boil all at the same time. Well worth it!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Ann!
Are they as good after freezing as they are when freshly baked?
Definitely! Reheating them will give them that chew back. Enjoy!
Yum
My daughter tried to eat them all in one sitting!!!
So glad you all enjoyed them!
About how many does this recipe make? Not sure if I’d need to double the recipe.
Hi Nikki! It makes roughly 60 pretzel bites. Enjoy!
I’ve made these so many times and my party guests always rave. They are delicious and definitely better than the pretzels from a box!
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy the recipe, Karen and that it’s a hit at your parties!
Kelly if you freeze them.. do you thaw them than do the egg wash and salt and reheat at 300..or do you bake from frozen but still do the egg wash and salt on them frozen? want to try this weekend (have made but never froze them!)logistical need to freeze them .
thanks!
Hi Lesley! I’d freeze them after baking them. So bake them (follow the recipe all the way through), freeze them and then reheat in the oven, microwave or an air fryer. Enjoy!
Delicious, not difficult to make!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Gina!
How many bites does this make?
Hi Stacey – It depends on exactly how thick/long the ropes are but I’d estimate about 50 nuggets.
Could you make regular sized pretzels from this recipe? If so, would you need to adjust the baking temperature and time?
Hi Nicole! I have a recipe for Soft Pretzels that I recommend you follow instead: https://www.justataste.com/soft-pretzels/ :)
Love, Love your easy recipes! So many ideas!! My Hubby is a picky eater, but he has liked almost everything.
I’m so thrilled you and your husband have been enjoying Just a Taste, Sue!
Question – can you make these the day before?
Hi Felicia! These pretzel bites are definitely best when enjoyed on the day they’re baked. If you really need to make them in advance, I’d make them one day before you want to serve them and store them in sealed plastic bags, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft. :)
They looked good and the cosistency was good , but all we could taste was baking soda.
Hi Cyndi – It could be that you boiled the bites too long. If you boil them longer than 30 seconds your pretzels will have a metallic taste.
They stuck terribly to the parchment paper. Otherwise they tasted delicious. I’d make again but skip that part.
Hi Gregory – I’m sorry yours stuck to the parchment paper. Did you let them cool on the baking sheet? If so, they should pop right off.
Gerry F
Love ❤️ the recipe, so easy and my grandson Jaxon loves making them as !!
I’m so happy to read this, Gerry!
Totally amazing and my son loved to help! Thank you, will definitely check out your other recipes!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you and your son enjoyed making (and eating!) the pretzel bites. :)
My family and guests devoured these. Making them again for a second weekend in a row!
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you and your family (and guests!) have been enjoying the recipe, Karen!
I have instant yeast. Any chance I could use it?
Thanks!
Absolutely, Christine! You’ll just want to use about 25% less than the recipe states, and add it to the dry ingredients (no need to mix it at the beginning with the wet).
Great recipe! These turned out perfect for the super bowl 2023.
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jenna!
Can you get to step #12 and wait a while to bake? So they will be warm for a party?
Hi Nancy! It depends on how long you’ll wait to bake them, as they’ll continue to rise/proof and you’ll risk over-proofing them!
Would I be able to make ahead and freeze? What would be the process?
Hi Emma! I personally haven’t tried freezing the pretzel bites, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so. :)
Delicious, easy and a new family favorite!
I’m thrilled to read this, Lia!
Our Super Bowl party begins tomorrow (Friday) through Monday. My husband & I are in law enforcement and none of our friends work a M-F 9-5 job so we began prep yesterday. So…
I don’t want to say I’m lazy in the kitchen…I prefer innovative.
Rather than making a dough, I used thawed bread dough from the grocery store. I just cannot tell you just how amazing they are! I was brave enough to use some of the bread dough for full size pretzels. Again, just fantastic.(I had no clue you had to boil pretzels. You learn something new every day!)
My husband is mixing your spinach artichoke dip now. He lightly spritzed olive oil on both sides of the wonton & they are perfect.
Thank You So Much! I’m so glad I found you!
Love this, Laryssa! As a mom of four little ones, I’m all about using store-bought shortcuts in the kitchen when I don’t have the time to make something from scratch. I’m so thrilled you are enjoying Just a Taste!
Best recipe for pretzel bites! I’ve made these consistently for over a year now and by far the most requested by family and friends. Prefect directions! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Woohoo! You are so welcome, Ingrid! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe :)
Absolutely the best ones I’ve made.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sondra!
i had to make something for a school project in a cooking class and i made these. we had to add a twist so i filled mine with cinnamon sugar before boiling and didn’t add salt on top. they were do good and soft and golden!! i’ll be using this recipe in the future
Love this! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Madi!
AMAZING!!! the fam loved them and they were so easy to make!!
I’m so happy to read this, Corinne!
These were so easy to make! I’ve already made them twice this week!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Missy!
I dont have a stand mixer but i still would love to make this.
You can mix the dough by hand, Ruthanne! It should work out without any issues (although the texture might be slightly different), you’ll just want to make sure the ingredients are well incorporated.
Excited to try this! Can I use rapid yeast? I already have some, and it would be great if I could use that up since I don’t make yeast recipes often at all. Thanks in advance!
Hi Tina – Yes! You’d just want to use about 25% less than the recipe states, and you just add it to the dry ingredients (no need to mix it at the beginning with the wet).
could these be made into regular size pretzels? Thank you Cathy
Hi Cathy! I have a recipe for Soft Pretzels that I recommend you follow instead: https://www.justataste.com/soft-pretzels/ :)
Such an amazing recipe, rather than being specific with time I baked until they were a dark pretzel color and the tops started to crack like a baked pretzel. I now want to make another batch with cinnamon and sugar rather than salt.
Yessss! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Jodi!
Great recipe. We make them every movie night. We’ve added everything mix the the dough and jalapeños, and it’s eve. Better!
YUM! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Craig!
I want to make these but i am not super familiar with yeast. Do i need to buy “Fast Rising Instant Dry” yeast, or “Active Dry Yeast”?
Hi Anna! Active dry yeast :)
I just made a batch using organic unbleached bread flour and they turned out perfect!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Lynn!
Can you make the dough the night before and let rise overnight?
Or are they good baked and served the next day too?
Hi Stephanie! I’ve never tried prepping the dough in advance, so I’m not sure how it’d work with the proofing and the rise. You can make them one day in advance and store them in sealed plastic bags, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft.
Could you use half whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour?
I haven’t tried that mix of flours but you’d need to adjust several other ingredients if using whole wheat!
I just came across this recipe and can’t wait to try it. My husband is very picky and refuses to eat any snacks made with A-P flour. Can these be made with whole wheat flour or a combo of whole wheat-white whole wheat flour?
Hi Lisa! I haven’t tried making this recipe with whole wheat flour so I’m not sure what the result would be. Will add to my recipe development list!
Made a bit of a mess the first time making them. When it says use a large stockpot to boil, they mean it! Rolled into 12″ ropes and cut into 12 pieces. That seemed to get a good size nugget! Soft and delicious!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
No one wanted to stop eating them! ❤️
Woohoo! This is what I love to read, Maggie!
Another great pretzel recipe. I will say that having an extra pair of hands in the kitchen when taking the dough from cutting board, to boiling water, to sheet for egg wash and salt does help. Turned out awesome.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jeffery!
How many pretzel bites does this make?
Hi Julie – It depends on exactly how thick/long the ropes are! I’d estimate about 50 nuggets.
How much vegetable oil?
Hi Kyla! You’ll need just enough to grease your bowl. :)
Easy and simple to make. I messed up on the sizing but they all still turned out delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Bob!
Yummy flavors and so cute! It didn’t work for me to bake mine at same time on the two racks, even with rotating them between racks. So I’ll bake them separately next time. Mine also browned unevenly, I guess b/c I didn’t cut them similar in size enough, so I’ll focus on that a bit more next time. Regardless, they are addictive!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Chrissy! Looking forward to reading your results next time, too!
Can the dough be made and ready to put into the oven a day or two in advance if I keep it refrigerated? I would like to make it for a party buy won’t have time the day of to prepare.
Hi Stephen – I’ve never tried prepping the dough in advance, so I’m not sure how it’d work with the proofing and the rise. If you really need to make them in advance, I’d make them one day before you want to serve them and store them in sealed plastic bags, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft.
I’m a horrible cook, and I’ve never used yeast before, but I followed the directions to the letter, and these turned out fantastic! This is the perfect appetizer to pass around a bonfire and wash down with a cold beer!
Yesssss! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Dana!
I have made these twice (so far). Everyone loves them and I like that you only need to allow 1 hour for them to rise. I will be making them again, they are delicious! Much better than store bought!
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
What is the best way to store these bites? I want to make them in advance of an event. Thanks!
Hi Mary! These bites are definitely best when enjoyed on the day they’re baked. However you can store them in sealed plastic bags at room temp, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft.
what’s a good dip to make to eat these with? Would like to get a recipe close to the bulkbarn pretzel bites if anyone could suggest one…thanks
Hi Angella! I’m all about dunking these pretzel bites into queso dip! Here’s the link to my go-to recipe: https://www.justataste.com/slow-cooker-queso-dip-recipe/
By far the best soft pretzel recipe I’ve come across. They are restaurant quality and so easy to make. Brought them to a party and they were the only thing that was gobbled up. Thank you for posting!
You are so welcome, Ingrid! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
I want to tell you thanks for making this so simple to follow and accomplish. I had no idea I could make such great pretzel bites!
You are so welcome, Kristy! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Do you have to bake them right after boiling or can you wait to bake them?
They should be baked immediately after!
I was always afraid to try making a soft pretzel but they came out perfect! I’m so glad I chose your recipe… thank you!!
You are so welcome, Gloria! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
I make this recipe all the time and it is a family & party favorite! I make a simple honey mustard sauce and these usually get eaten up so fast! I would love to see a gluten-free/dairy-free version of this recipe for my family since we have some food sensitivities. I do use dairy-free butter and that seems to work fine. I’ve tried the 1 for 1 GF flour; and it has been okay, but maybe a little chewier than normal. If you do publish a GF version of this recipe, please let me know. Thanks!
Hi Ann! I’ll add a gluten-free version to my recipe development list! I’m thrilled your family has been enjoying the recipe! :)
These are great!! Everyone loved them and they were super easy too!
I’m so thrilled to read this, Hannah!
Absolutely amazing! Everyone loved them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time Ans freeze it?
Hi Trish – I haven’t tried freezing this dough so I’m not sure, but in general, yeasted doughs are fine to freeze after the first rise.
Love this recipe!!
I’m so thrilled to read this!
Great easy recipe
I’m so glad you enjoyed the pretzel bites, Cheryl!
With your encouragement I’m inspired to attempt another yeast recipe! Thnx! I will let them drip off a minute but won’t they be quite wet going from the water bath to the baking sheet? I’m going to use the convection setting and watch them for even baking.
Just be sure to use a slotted spoon, Shelly :)
Incredible! Ruined my dinner because I ate so many!!
Ha! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jeff!
These soft pillowy pretzel bites are such a hit at our house! Easy to make and we always use your method of using a warm clothes dryer to help rise the dough. Genius!! Works perfect every time! Another great recipe! Thank you!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled to read this, Nicholas!
Tried this recipe with my 9yo, they came out fantastic! Now its all she wants to make.
I’m so thrilled to read this, Jamie!
These are amazing! Made them twice in a week!
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
Wow sooo easy, love the layout of your ingredients and the instructions. They turned out sooo insanely delicious and fluffy! Thank you.
We’ve been craving these for over a year now
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Terra!
I made the dough but didn’t get to make the Pretzels can I refrigerate it and do it tomorrow?
Hi Mary – I haven’t tried freezing this dough so I’m not sure, but in general, yeasted doughs are fine to freeze after the first rise.
Oh this are SO good. I came across this recipe at the start of this year and I’ve made them many times.. it’s been awhile since I’ve made them since I was trying to eat less bread but I couldn’t resist tonight! My toddler loves these. I love these. It’s a win win!! Thanks for the great recipe!!
Yay! I’m so thrilled you and your toddler have been enjoying the recipe, Paula!
Love love love this recipe, so easy my husband even helped. He rolled and cut I placed into the bath–worked wonderfully. After they came out of the oven I made a small batch with cinnamon/sugar for a little treat, the others I tossed into some melted butter and some sea salt–love them thank you so much.
You are so welcome, Christina! I’m thrilled you and your husband enjoyed the recipe!
can you use gluten free flour?
Hi Kate – You could try using a gluten-free flour such as Cup4Cup that’s a 1:1 ratio as regular flour. Let me know if you give it a shot!
Super easy. Tastes just like hot pretzels you buy, it better!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Christine!
What do you do with the 10 cups of water n baking soda
Hi Melissa – As noted in the recipe above, the bites get added to the boiling baking soda mixture for 30 seconds before being placed onto the oiled baking sheets. This quick baking soda bath gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
So very good and easy to make.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Michelle!
Can you make these using an air fryer? What temp/time would you recommend?
I’ve never tried that so unfortunately I can’t weigh in on what the results would be. Let me know if you give it a shot, Sydney!
Definitely would make these again. They tasted like honest-to-goodness pretzels.
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Letty!
Do you know how many bites can be made in one batch? Thinking about making these as appetizers for my wedding! :)
Hi Leslie! It depends on exactly how thick/long the ropes are! I’d estimate about 50 nuggets.
10/10! Easy recipe and taste great. I made these for myself and my husband today while we watched football. He kept commenting “these are unbelievable.” Definitely a recipe we will make again with a group! I made a third of the recipe for us, and have the rest in the freezer. Hopefully it keeps until we make again!
Love reading this, Jessica! I’m thrilled you and your husband enjoyed the pretzel bites!
Great recipe. Even approved by my VERY picky 12 year old. Will be a staple when we get to start having parties again.
Woohoo! I’m so happy to read this, Monika!
Can you freeze these?
Hi Amanda! I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so. :)
How do you keep them from sticking. That was my only issue. Otherwise they were delish
Hi Lori! Do you mean sticking to the pan or to each other?
Loved them. My only issue is they stuck to the parchment paper when removing so lost the bottoms. How do I fix that?
Any suggestions on how to make cinnamon coated also?
Hi Lori! Did you let them cool on the baking sheet? If so, they should pop right off. To make cinnamon-sugar pretzels, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter then sprinkle them with cinnamon-sugar. YUM!
could you skip the egg wash, allergies?
Absolutely, Judy, you just might have slightly less golden brown pretzels.
Turned out amazing! Make sure and cut them small! Lol it makes a good bit, easily enough for 4-6 people to have a snack.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Richard!
Could I use a ninja food blender that blends dough for this?
Hi Jennifer! I’ve never tried using a Ninja Blender with this recipe so I’m not sure what texture that would yield.
Oh my! I didn’t believe they would taste just like Aunt Annie’s but they DO! I’ve never made pretzels before, thought it would be difficult. These are so easy. I used a bread maker for the dough and then followed the rest of the directions. My family couldn’t get enough of them
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Nancy!
Super easy & the family loved them
I’m so glad to read this, Jamie!
How much does this recipe make?
Hi Brenda! It depends on exactly how thick/long the ropes are! I’d estimate about 50 nuggets.
They looked good but could taste the baking soda. Very bitter. Not sure why. Made some cinnamon sugar which disguised the taste a bit but not much.
Hi Barbara – It could be that you boiled the bites too long. If you boil them longer than 30 seconds your pretzels will have a metallic taste.
Best way to make these gluten free. Which flour would work best
Hi Stacey! You could try using a gluten-free flour such as Cup4Cup that’s a 1:1 ratio as regular flour. Let me know if you give it a shot!
Egg allergy..can you omit the egg wash or do a milk wash?
Absolutely, Carol!
I made these gluten free and they are delicious.
Thank you so much for the recipe.
Amazing! You are so welcome and I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, April!
I use the jars of yeast. What is the equivalent measurements to a package?
2 1/4 teaspoons :)
Turned out great!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Danette!
HI, CAN THESE BE FROZE AFTER BAKING ? THANK YOU
Hi Jan – I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so. :)
This was super easy to make and faster than I expected. The step by step instructions make it so simple. Delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sarah!
Can I mix dough with hand mixer no dough hook, I do not have a stand mixer.
Hi! You can mix the dough by hand! It should work out without any issues (although the texture might be slightly different), you’ll just want to make sure the ingredients are well incorporated.
This recipe deserves double the stars! I was so excited to find this recipe. I was craving one of those delicious mall pretzels, but since the malls are closed, I mde my own! We ate them with some cheese sauce, and let’s just say, I will be making another batch this afternoon.
YES! Thanks so much for your comment, Evangeline.
This recipe is so good! 10/10, definitely recommend! I randomly craving a pretzel the other day (like the kind you would get from the mall), but since the mall was closed I decided to look for a recipe. So glad I found this one, I will be making it again today!
Awesome! Thanks for your review, Raegan.
What do you suggest to do when the dough is dry and crumbly?
Hi Jo – I’d recommend adding a bit more water (just a few drops at a time) until the mixture is cohesive.
I made these today and they came out amazing! Thank you for the recipe! I will for sure be making these again!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the pretzel bites, Tonya!
I do not have kosher salt, I only have iodized salt. Can I use that?
Also, can I not use butter? I can’t eat butter.
Hi Olivia! Iodized salt works but I’d recommend reducing it otherwise the pretzels will be too salty. And instead of butter, you could use vegetable oil.
Absolutely fantastic! I served them alongside beer cheese soup. Easy and delicious!
YUM! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Katie!
Perfect! Where can we share photos?
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jennifer! And you can share your culinary creations with me on Instagram by using the hashtag #justatasterecipes or by joining our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336632013654296/
Overall, I thought these were delicious! I forgot to add the salt on top, but they were still a little too salty for me. They also didn’t look smooth and pretty. I rolled the pieces in the second batch into balls, and those looked better.
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jen!
I made the pretzel bites over the weekend and they turned out fabulous. I followed the recipe exactly.
I only used half of the dough since there were 3 of us and we had other items planned for dinner.
I froze the dough but my son wants more of them. I’m thawing out the dough now to make the rest.
I did make some melted white american cheese sauce to go with the pretzel bites for dipping.
Thank you for sharing this!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jason!
Oh my goodness so delish and easy to make!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Alex!
These are so easy to make I’m a kid and I did it by myself
AWESOME! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Dylan!
I test-ran this recipe yesterday ahead of our family Oktoberfest. First time making pretzels so I had no expectations – they turned out perfectly. The bites are delicious and adorable. 10/10, keeping this recipe forever.
I got two full, large trays of pretzel bites and 5 medium-ish twisted pretzels. We ate them all within two hours. Simply delicious.
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sam!
Can these be done by hand? I do not own a stand mixer or dough hook
Hi Vanessa – Absolutely! It should work out without any issues (although the texture might be slightly different), you’ll just want to make sure the ingredients are well incorporated. Enjoy!
I would Also recommend putting melted butter on top, after they come out of the oven. It gives it a more Auntie Ann’s flavor.
YUM! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rachel!
Do you know how many calories are in one??
Hi Bob! Unfortunately, I don’t have estimated nutritional information for this recipe as the yield varies based on how big each individual makes their pretzel bites.
Can the bites after baking be left at room temperature if so for how many days in Tupperware or should they be refrigerated?
Hi Giowanna! These bites are definitely best when enjoyed on the day they’re baked. However you can store them in sealed plastic bags at room temp, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Can i just boil and then cook when I am ready to use them? any advice is much appreciated! oh also should i get dipping sauce or are they usually good on their own?
Hi Tasha! I’ve never tried prepping the dough in advance, so I’m not sure how it’d work with the proofing and the rise. If you really need to make them in advance, I’d make them one day before you want to serve them and store them in sealed plastic bags, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft. And they are great on their own or dunked in cheese sauce or mustard!
Can I fry these?
I’ve never tried that so I’m not sure!
Do you think the dough should be rolled up? My keep ending up very oddly shaped
Hi Ashley – Did you follow the recipe as written?
A little time consuming but worth the wait! I make these for every event I host and everyone goes nuts :)
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Amanda!
My kids absolutely loved these! Thank you so much!
You are so welcome, Candice! I’m thrilled your kids enjoyed the pretzel bites!
Made these for the first time tonight and they were amazing. The family loved them. Even made one regular pretzel because I had so many nuggets. Thanks for the easy and delicious recipe.
I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Ed!
I love these, just a note for those wanting to make these. Be generous with the salt on top and make sure that when placing them on the baking tray, the smooth side is facing up. Otherwise they are amazing, my kids loved them!
I’m thrilled you and your family enjoyed the pretzel bites, Ally!
I haven’t tried this yet, but I plan to today or tomorrow. Could I do the dough in a breadmaker? I would then start at the Preheat oven step…Thanks. Catherine
Hi Catherine! That should work :)
How many does this recipe make? I’m making them for a party tomorrow. Thanks!
It depends on exactly how thick/long the ropes are! I’d estimate about 50 nuggets.
Amazing texture and taste, other than the lingering taste of baking soda. Also had to put them in oven for 15 mins to brown, but that says more about my oven than than the recipe! My son loves them.
Glad you enjoyed them!
I have never made anything with yeast before and this was super fun and easy! I covered them in cinnamon sugar after yummm.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rachel!
I’m gonna take the plunge and try to make these! QUESTION- I don’t have a mixer… can I knead by hand?… any tips??? Thanks!
Definitely! Just be careful not to overknead it :)
These were amazing! Better than the mall and really not that much work. I started the recipe at breakfast, went to the store, came home, finished the recipe & had a great snack! Probably made myself sick from eating so many!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the pretzel bites, Machelle!
My daughter and I, on the same day, were lamenting the fact that we were missing being able to go to the mall for pretzel bites. I searched for recipes and came across yours. It is really easy to follow. This has become my daughter’s favorite snack. I have made this recipe every week for the past three weeks. I keep the extras in a Ziploc bag. My daughter reheats them for a few seconds in the microwave, while I like to reheat them in the toaster. Of course we have to melt some butter to brush on top. Thank you for the fabulous recipe!
Yay! I’m so thrilled you and your daughter have been enjoying the pretzel bites, Abby!
This is one of the best Pretzel recipes i have tried!! its super soft and moist! the best right out of the oven! it makes a lot but with my family it last about an hour!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Megan!
YUMMY and very easy!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sharon!
Hello, can I freeze half of the dough before boiling?
Can’t wait to try these!!
I haven’t tried freezing this dough so I’m not sure, but in general, yeasted doughs are fine to freeze after the first rise. Enjoy!
Super easy to follow recipe. I made a couple of tweaks. As a bread baker, I couldn’t bring myself to add the dry yeast to the flour. I combined the sugar and warm water and yeast and let that sit for 5-10 mins. I mixed the dry ingredients together (flour, salt) in the mixer, then added the yeast warm water mixture, then added the melted butter. I made the recipe for the family because we haven’t been able go to the mall and buy Auntie Anne’s lately. Honestly, this was wayyyy better! Instead of salting, we made a topping of cinnamon sugar (3/4 cups white sugar + 3 tsp ground cinnamon) which we rolled the half the pretzel bites in after a quick dip in melted butter after baking. The other half we left plain, I don’t think the extra salt is really necessary honestly! Thanks so much, definitely a new party snack I can add to my repertoire.
Love this! I’m so glad you enjoyed the pretzel bites, Ellie!
Can I still make this recipe if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can definitely try kneading the dough by hand!
I made it for our family and neighbors and everyone loved it! This was our 2nd batch and sooooooo good!!!!
I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Marcie!
if i’m using instant yeast, do i still need the water sugar and salt at the beginning? and if i’m using instant yeast, do i still need water in the recipe just not mixing the yeast in with it . how much instant yeast do i use?
Hi Bella – Yes, you’ll still use the 1 1/2 cups water. And if you’re using instant yeast you’ll want to use about 25% less than the recipe states, and you just add it to the dry ingredients (no need to mix it at the beginning with the wet).
Have you doubled the recipe before? Or would you just make two batches?
Hi David! I’d recommend making two separate batches.
Love this recipe! Has anyone had success freezing any leftover dough?
Hi Sarah! I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so (after they are baked and cooled completely).
With the instant yeast, do I use the wet ingredients at all? Or just the dry?
Yes, you’ll still use the 1 1/2 cups water :)
Is it possible to use instant yeast? :) Thanks!
Yes! You’d just want to use about 25% less than the recipe states, and you just add it to the dry ingredients (no need to mix it at the beginning with the wet).
I couldn’t believe how easy these were. My husband loves them!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Tricia!
Wow, these are delicious and came together so easily! I’m having to force myself to stop eating them! YUM
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Kelly!
I can’t even begin to tell you how easy these were to make and how delicious they turned out!!
We made some with cinnamon sugar and some with Trader Joe’s “everything bagel” seasoning.
Think I can freeze them easily? I made so many! Highly recommend!
Love the different toppings, Andrea! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Could you let the bites dry after the soda bath and freeze, to bake later? Or should they be baked and then frozen? Or frozen before the soda bath?
Hi there! I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so (after they are baked and cooled completely).
Low on AP flour, can I sub bread flour?
Hi Sandra – I’ve never tried this recipe with bread flour, so I can’t guarantee if the pretzels will turn out.
I only buy bulk and don’t have yeast packets. What would the measurement be for one packet?
Thanks
Charna
Hi Charna! You’ll need 2 1/4 teaspoons for this recipe. :)
Really good although mine stuck to the paper. Used some of the dough I made into snakes and wrapped it around hotdogs. Really forgiving dough. As we are not leaving the house my yeast is 6 months expired and they still turned out.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I was starting to go crazy being at home for so long. I decided to try my hand at something I’ve wanted to make for a long time.
These turned out DELICIOUS! I am a very bad baker, I always struggle with any type of dough. But I nailed this one!
Thanks for such an easy and super yummy recipe!!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Allison!
Made these for my kiddos and 2 of our neighbors families and everyone loved them! A nice treat.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Marcie!
How many bites does this recipe make? I wanted to make them for you he concession stand at my daughters pee wee basketball games.
Hi Sam! I don’t have an exact count, but this recipe yields about 60 bites.
I just made these. They are so good, but I had the same problem with the soda taste. I looked at other recipes and I’m going to try 9 cups of water to 1/2 cup of soda.
Feel free to update the ratio — that will still work!
Is there a way to make ahead and freeze? I know we like to eat these but don’t have the time when a craving hits.
Hi Dani – I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so. Let me know if you give it a shot!
made these today and they turned out great! thank you for the recipe and simple instructions.
You are so welcome, Whitney! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
These turned out great except for one thing, some of the bites seem to have a bit of the baking soda taste to them, while others did not. We followed the directions exactly. Any ideas?
Hi Lance! It could be that you boiled some of the bites too long. If you boil them longer than 30 seconds your pretzels will have a metallic taste.
Is it possible to make these without a stand mixture and dough attachment? I don’t have one. I only have a hand mixer with regular beaters.
Hi Danielle – I’ve never tried making this recipe without a stand mixer, but I think you could do it by hand. It should work out without any issues (although the texture might be slightly different), you’ll just want to make sure the ingredients are well incorporated.
Easy and a hit. I did brush mine with butter when they came out of the oven. They were just as good as the ones I’ve eaten at the mall if not better!
Woohoo! This is what I love to hear!
I made this for Super Bowl. We love this recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the pretzel bites, Audrey!
Is it possible to make these a few days ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them?
Hi Terri – I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so. Let me know if you give it a shot!
I made these last weekend and we didn’t even have supper. We just watched football and snacked on these. They are amazing! We had them with nacho cheese. I’m thinking about adding a little extra flavor to the dough and see how it turns out, or just make them like this. You can’t really improve perfect!
YES!! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Amy!
I made them! delicious and unexpectedly, really easy! Would 100% recommend! Thanks for the effort you put into making all these great recipes!❤️
You are so welcome, Chloe! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
I don’t have a standing mixer with a kneading hook; what are your suggestions to make this recipe?
You can mix and knead by hand!
I made these for my New Years Eve party today (as an appetizer), and was a little hesitant about making them, but I am really happy with how they turned out!!
Amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Tori!
These are good and were pretty easy however wondering too if I can save some of the dough. Im making these kinda late tonight and want to cook some fresh tomorrow. Will see how they turn out in the morning…
Hi Aurora – It should work to save the dough, but I’d refrigerate it then return it to room temp before continuing with the recipe as directed.
Has anyone ever frozen the finished bites? How did it work out?
Marcie
Hi Marcie – I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so. Let me know if you give it a shot!
1/4 oz of yeast is equal to 2 1/4 teaspoons.
Thanks so much for your note, Emilienne!
Hi, I am about to make this but i only have a jar of active dry yeast. How much yeast is in one package?
Hi Josephine – You’ll need 1/4-ounce of active dry yeast for this recipe. Enjoy!
Looks just like what I was searching for! I wonder if it were possible to make these until the boiling step, then cool and flash freeze, and then pop these into the oven straight from the freezer. Maybe brush with egg before freezing
I’ve never tried that so I’m not sure! Let me know if you give it a shot!
How many servings is this recipe suppose to make?
Hi Vanessa – I don’t have an exact count, but this recipe yields roughly 60 bites.
Can u make this recipe without a dough hook ?
I got have a hand mixer
Hi Barbara – I’ve never made this recipe without a stand mixer, but I think you could do it by hand. It should work out without any issues (although the texture might be slightly different), you’ll just want to make sure the ingredients are well incorporated. Looking forward to hearing your results!
Thank you! Did half sweet and half salty. Good recipe, I got loads!!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
can you freeze them
Hi Karyn! I personally haven’t tried freezing them, but I know other commenters have had success in doing so. Let me know if you give it a shot!
Just popped these out of the oven and they are amazing! I followed to recipe exactly, but did it all by hand. This was my first time ever baking with yeast and it was super easy! I did make half of them with a garlic butter wash instead of the egg wash and those also turned out amazing. Semi crunchy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside. Thank you!!
You are so welcome, Kris! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Do you need the yeast
Yes!
These were easy to make and the taste was spot on!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Taste exactly like Wetzels Pretzel bites from the mall!!! They turned out perfect!
I”m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
I’m just about to bake them & I do not have an egg !! Ugg !! Will they be ok ??
No problem, Mary! You could also brush the tops with milk :)
How many does this make?
Hi Barbara! I don’t have an exact count, but this recipe yields roughly 60 bites :)
Is there any way to save/reheat them for later, like if you’re bringing them to an event and need to make ahead? Thanks!
Hi Lauren! These pretzel bites are definitely best when enjoyed on the day they’re baked. If you really need to make them in advance, I’d make them one day before you want to serve them and store them in sealed plastic bags, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft. Hope that helps! Enjoy!
What is the serving size? About how many bites do you get in this recipe?
Hi Nicole! I don’t have an exact count, but it’ll make roughly 60 bites :)
Love these- perfect game day food!
YESSS! :)
Delicious snack – super easy – family gobbled them up!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
My husband loves these!
I’m so thrilled to hear this, Diana!
Can you make these without a stand mixer?
Hi Lee Ann! I’ve never tried making this recipe without a stand mixer, but I think you could do it by hand. It should work out without any issues (although the texture might be slightly different), you’ll just want to make sure the ingredients are well incorporated. Looking forward to hearing your results!
can you put peanut butter inside?
Hi Cindy – I’ve never tried that so I’m not sure! I would love to hear your results if you give it a shot!
Approximately how many bites does this recipe yield? We are making these for a school project and need about 50 pcs, just wondering if I need to double the recipe. Thanks!
Hi Kim! I don’t have an exact count, but it’ll make roughly 60 bites :)
So easy and tasty! I’ll definitely be making them again.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Liz!
These were the best pretzels I have ever made. I made a cheddar mustard sauce to go along with it. Fantastic!!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Lori!
Made these today! I love these- very easy recipe and they look amazing. I had a problem removing a few of them from the parchment paper- is it really necessary or would baking them directly on the tray have a different result?
Hi Joanne – Did you lightly oil the parchment paper?
Can I boil them earlier in the day and then bake them right before I need them? Or do they need to go straight into the oven?
Hello! I was wondering how these would do frozen. Either the dough or the pretzel bites after you cook them. I have a party this weekend and I want to make these but might not have enough time to make all that I need the day of.
Hi Jasmine – I’ve never tried freezing them so I’m not sure what the result would be. If you really need to make them in advance, I’d make them one day before you want to serve them and store them in sealed plastic bags, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft. I hope that helps!
I made these pretzel bites and they came out great!! Easy to follow recipe. Will deffenetly make these again!
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Karen!
These sound great! But do they have to be pretzel bites, or can I shape them into actually pretzels?
Hi Mae! I actually have a recipe for Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists: https://www.justataste.com/homemade-soft-pretzel-twists-recipe/ :)
Your recipes sound fabulous and looking forward to trying them!
Thank you so much, Judy! I hope you enjoy them!
I made this recipe today and it turned out great! I followed the instructions exactly and was really happy with the results. My kid loved it and I will definitely be making these again.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sheri!
Hi Kelly – these look great and I want to make them soon. One of the questions asked was whether the baking soda amount [the person with the question mentioned 1/3 cup] was correct. You confirmed the amount was correct. Double checking that the amount in the recipe of 2/3 cup is what you were referring as to being correct (and not 1/3).
Thanks!
Hi Sue! Sorry for the confusion. The recipe is correct as written, 2/3 cup baking soda.
I want to make these for this weekend, but am worried about to much to do at the last minute. Are there some steps for making them in advance? How long can they sit between boiling and baking? THanks.
Hi Audrey – I’ve never tried prepping the dough in advance, so I’m not sure how it’d work with the proofing and the rise. If you really need to make them in advance, I’d make them one day before you want to serve them and store them in sealed plastic bags, but keep an eye on the moisture and open the bags every now and then if they look like they’re getting too soft. I hope that helps!
Is there anyway to do this recipe without a stand mixer? It looks and sounds amazing, but I don’t have a stand mixer!
Hi there! I’ve never tried making this recipe without a stand mixer, but I think you could do it by hand. It should work out without any issues (although the texture might be slightly different), you’ll just want to make sure the ingredients are well incorporated.
I made these for my kids and they were great! I’ve always been scared of making breads with yeast, but this was so easy and soft. I will never go back to buying frozen pretzel bites!!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Mae!
How to adjust using sourdough starter instead of packaged yeast?
Hi Jess – I haven’t tried that so unfortunately I can’t weigh in on this. Let me know if you give it a shot!
Is this recipe suppose to be 1/3 baking soda? I made these today and everything turned out great except the very strong baking soda taste.
Hi Andrea! The recipe is correct as written, 2/3 cup baking soda.