Description
Soft Sourdough Pretzel Bites are chewy, tangy, and golden bites that make for the perfect snack or appetizer. Made with an active sourdough starter and simple pantry ingredients, these pretzel bites offer a soft interior and a traditional crust thanks to a baking soda bath. Ideal for sharing, customizable with various toppings, and perfect with dipping sauces, these treats bring a fresh twist to a beloved classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
Boiling Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2 tbsp baking soda
Toppings and Serving
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), for dipping or brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with warm water and olive oil. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 1 to 2 hours to rise and develop flavor.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: After rising, gently punch down the dough and roll it out into a long rope. Cut into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces, then roll each piece into a small ball for uniform bites.
- Boil with Baking Soda: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in baking soda. Working in batches, drop the dough bites into the boiling water. They will float to the surface within 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Add Salt and Bake: Sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crusty on the outside but soft inside.
- Serve Warm: Allow to cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) infused dip.
Notes
- Use active sourdough starter that is bubbly and has doubled in size for best results.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath to achieve the traditional pretzel crust and color.
- Roll dough pieces evenly to ensure consistent baking and texture.
- Experiment with different toppings such as herbs, seeds, or spices to add variety.
- Best enjoyed fresh from the oven while still warm and soft.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Soft sourdough pretzel bites, chewy pretzel snack, tangy sourdough snack, appetizer pretzel bites, easy homemade pretzels